Gear Pump Bearing Block Stabilization Using Pressurized Fluid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of gear pump assemblies in gas turbine engines causes excessive wear on pressure loaded bearing blocks due to axial and radial movements, particularly during transitions between pressurized and depressurized states, leading to reduced efficiency and delivery flow.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluid passage between the primary and secondary gear stages to provide pressurized fluid flow that limits the movement of the secondary driver bearing block, using flow restrictors and non-return valves to control fluid leakage and maintain adequate pressure, thereby reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gear pump assembly operation is used, then the gear pump can pump fluid, but excessive wear occurs on the pressure loaded bearing block due to axial and radial movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid passage that delivers pressurized fluid from the primary gear stage to the driver bore portion of the secondary gear stage. This hydraulic pressure counteracts the axial and radial movements of the pressure loaded bearing block, reducing wear while maintaining operational freedom. The pressurized fluid acts as a cushioning force that stabilizes the bearing block during transitions between pressurized and depressurized states.
2Reliability
If fluid passage is added to limit bearing block movement, then wear is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid passage is integrated into the housing structure of the gear pump assembly, merging the wear protection function with the existing structural components. The passage connects the primary gear stage chamber to the driver bore portion through the housing, eliminating the need for separate external components and minimizing additional complexity while achieving bearing block stabilization.
3Productivity
If pressurized fluid flow is used to limit bearing block movement, then delivery flow efficiency is maintained, but additional heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid passage utilizes pressurized fluid that has already performed its pumping function in the primary gear stage. By directing this already-pressurized fluid to the secondary gear stage's driver bore portion, the system recovers useful hydraulic pressure without requiring additional energy input, thereby limiting bearing block movement without generating significant additional heat.
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 minimizes wear on the bearing blocks, enhancing the efficiency and performance of the gear pump assembly and fuel supply system by limiting radial and axial movements.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid passage allows a pressurized flow of the fluid from the primary gear stage to the driver bore portion in order to limit a movement of the secondary driver bearing block within the driver bore portion
Data Source
AI summary
A gear pump assembly includes an inlet configured to receive a fluid, an outlet, a main drive shaft, a secondary gear stage, and a primary gear stage configured to pump the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The secondary gear stage includes a secondary driver gear driven by the main drive shaft, a secondary driver bearing block disposed adjacent to and supporting the secondary driver gear, a secondary driven gear meshed with and driven by the secondary driver gear, a secondary driven bearing block disposed adjacent to and supporting the secondary driven gear, and a driver bore portion receiving the secondary driver bearing block therein. A fluid passage fluidly communicates the primary gear stage with the driver bore portion.