Gearbox Mounting Assembly With Impedance-Tuned Flex Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mounting assemblies for gearbox assemblies in gas turbine engines face challenges in managing dynamic loading, which leads to misalignments and premature failure of gearbox components due to uneven torque distribution and high stresses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a mounting assembly with a flex coupling, a flex mount, and a fan frame, each characterized by specific impedance parameter ratios. These ratios, including lateral, bending, and torsional impedance parameters, are optimized to ensure that the gearbox assembly maintains alignment during engine loading conditions, reducing edge loading and stress on gearbox components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid mounting assembly is used to securely mount the gearbox assembly, then the gearbox assembly is firmly supported, but misalignments and stress concentrations occur due to dynamic loading and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates impedance parameter ratios that change under different operating conditions (dynamic loading, thermal expansion) to maintain optimal alignment. The lateral, bending, and torsional impedance parameters are specifically designed to adapt to varying engine loads and temperatures, preventing misalignments while providing firm support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that responds to operating conditions. The impedance parameters allow the mounting to flex and adapt under dynamic loading, maintaining alignment while providing necessary support strength during engine operation.
2Device complexity
If conventional mounting members are used to mount the gearbox assembly, then the structure is simple, but uneven torque distribution and high stresses lead to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting members are designed with specific impedance parameter ratios (lateral ≤0.5, bending ≤0.5, torsional ≥0.01) that optimize torque distribution and stress management. These parameter specifications ensure even torque distribution and reduced stress concentrations, extending gearbox component life without requiring complex additional structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting assembly is designed with high stiffness to reduce vibrations, then vibration levels decrease, but misalignments occur due to thermal expansion and dynamic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance parameters are specifically designed to balance vibration reduction with alignment maintenance. The lateral and bending impedance ratios (≤0.5) and torsional impedance ratio (≥0.01) create an optimal balance that dampens vibrations while accommodating thermal expansion and dynamic loading without causing misalignments.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for a gearbox assembly of a gas turbine engine includes at least one mounting member configured to mount a gear of the gearbox assembly to a component of the gas turbine engine, the at least one mounting member characterized by a lateral impedance parameter, a bending impedance parameter, and a torsional impedance parameter. A gas turbine engine includes the mounting assembly. The at least one mounting member may be a flex mount, a fan frame, or a flex coupling.