Fuel Manifold Mounting System with Heat Shield Bushing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engine internal fuel manifolds face challenges in thermal expansion mismatches between components, leading to complex and costly mounting systems that are difficult to assemble and prone to weight and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system for the internal fuel manifold featuring a heat shield with a radially outwardly projecting shoulder that retains a bushing in place within a supporting casing, providing a secure and stable connection while accommodating thermal expansion, and including a fuel inlet assembly with a heat shield to protect against heat damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex connections are used to accommodate thermal expansion mismatches, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidcomplex connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bushing as an intermediary component between the fuel manifold and the supporting structure. This bushing acts as a mediator that accommodates thermal expansion mismatches between components made of different materials, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall connection system compared to complex multi-component mounting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing is designed with specific dimensional parameters and material properties that allow it to accommodate thermal expansion. By changing the parameters of the bushing (such as its length, diameter, and material composition), the system can handle thermal expansion mismatches without requiring complex connections, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex connections are used to accommodate thermal expansion, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing serves as a simple intermediary component that can be easily manufactured and assembled. Instead of using complex connections that are difficult to manufacture, the bushing provides a straightforward solution for accommodating thermal expansion, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the reliability needed to handle thermal expansion mismatches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. By using a simple bushing instead of complex connections, the system improves ease of manufacture and reduces manufacturing costs, while still providing the necessary functionality to accommodate thermal expansion and maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If more supports are added to secure the fuel manifold, then reliability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidmounting system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the fuel manifold, accommodates thermal expansion, and simplifies assembly. By making the bushing a multi-functional component, the system can achieve reliable mounting stability without adding multiple separate supports, thereby avoiding unnecessary weight increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single bushing component. Instead of using separate supports, thermal expansion joints, and mounting brackets, the bushing integrates these functions into one element, achieving reliable mounting stability while minimizing the weight of the mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the reliability and reduces the complexity of mounting systems by securely fastening the fuel manifold, minimizing the risk of displacement and weight, while protecting against thermal damage, thus improving the overall performance and efficiency of the gas turbine engine.

Implementation Method 1

the fuel inlet assembly including a heat shield extending about at least a portion of the fuel inlet tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

complex connections are required to allow for thermal expansion and accommodate mismatches in thermal expansion which may exist between components made of different materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS7703286B2Internal fuel manifold and fuel fairing interface

Publication Date: 2010.04.27 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold disposed within a gas turbine engine includes a fuel inlet assembly having a heat shield extending about at least a portion of an inner fuel inlet tube. The heat shield has a distal end engaged with the fuel manifold and has a radially outwardly projecting shoulder proximate an opposed proximal end thereof. The proximal end of the heat shield is received within a bushing disposed within a corresponding opening of a supporting casing. The shoulder of the heat shield retains the bushing in place.