Gear Pump Input Shaft Assembly Impact Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel gear pumps for gas turbine engines face challenges in withstanding periodic impact loads during installation, shipping, and handling without sustaining damage, which can affect their performance and service life.
Innovation Solution
A shaft assembly with radial shoulders and a retainer plate, along with springs, is used to axially constrain and position the input shaft, allowing it to absorb impact loads and maintain proper alignment, ensuring the pump operates without damage from such loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the input shaft is rigidly fixed to the housing, then the axial position is stable during operation, but impact loads during installation and handling cause damage to the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The input shaft is designed with dynamic positioning capability through springs that allow axial movement. The shaft can move axially to absorb impact loads during installation and handling, then return to its proper operational position through spring force, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
Compressible material elements are positioned between the input shaft and the housing to provide beforehand cushioning against impact loads. These elements absorb shock during installation and handling before the damage can propagate to critical pump components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the input shaft is allowed to move axially to absorb impact, then impact damage is reduced, but the axial position stability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic controlled position system. Springs provide the necessary compliance for impact absorption while automatically restoring the shaft to its correct operational axial position, achieving both impact tolerance and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically positions the input shaft axially without external intervention. After impact absorption, the spring force self-restores the shaft to its proper position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional rigid mounting is used, then the structure is simple, but the pump cannot withstand periodic impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly incorporates springs and compressible materials to create a dynamic mounting structure. This adds controlled complexity to the assembly, enabling it to withstand periodic impact loads while maintaining operational reliability throughout the pump service life.
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 effectively absorbs impact loads during installation and operation, preventing damage to the gear pump and ensuring consistent performance throughout its service life by maintaining the axial position of the input shaft and minimizing contact with the retainer plate during operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is located between the spring guide and the shaft. The spring absorbs impact loads and biases the input shaft to a proper operational position.
Implementation Method 2
The retainer plate is located at least partially between the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder to restrain an axial position of the input shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft assembly includes a shaft with a first radial shoulder and a second radial shoulder. A retainer plate is located at least partially between the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder to avoid damage when an impact load is applied to the shaft. A spring assembly biases the shaft out of contact with the retainer plate during operation.