Gearbox Oil Re-Circulation Layout for Auxiliary Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gearboxes in gas turbine engines with multiple lubrication systems face challenges such as complexity, weight, and cost due to the need for separate oil storage and multiple components, which complicates assembly and packaging.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant re-circulation system within the gearbox eliminates the need for a secondary oil storage source by using a re-circulation pump, inlet, and outlet to manage lubricant, reducing the number of parts and weight, and allowing for a smaller primary oil storage source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate lubrication systems are used in gearboxes, then each gear train receives adequate lubricant supply, but the system complexity, weight, and cost increase due to multiple oil storage sources and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lubrication systems into a single integrated lubricant reservoir that serves multiple gear trains. Instead of having separate oil storage sources for each gear train, one reservoir supplies lubricant to all gear trains through a unified distribution system, reducing component count while maintaining adequate lubrication for all gears
Solution Approach 2:
The single lubricant reservoir performs multiple functions by supplying lubricant to different gear trains simultaneously. The reservoir acts as a universal source that can serve various gear meshes through controlled flow paths, eliminating the need for dedicated storage sources for each gear train while ensuring reliable lubrication
2Reliability
If multiple separate lubrication systems with separate oil storage sources are used, then each gear train has dedicated lubricant supply, but the overall weight of the gearbox increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate oil storage sources into a single integrated reservoir, directly reducing the total weight of the lubrication system. By consolidating storage capacity into one unit rather than distributing it across multiple separate sources, the overall mass of the gearbox is reduced while maintaining sufficient lubricant volume for all gear trains
3Reliability
If multiple separate lubrication systems are implemented, then comprehensive gear protection is achieved, but the number of parts increases complicating assembly and packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of parts by combining multiple lubrication systems into one integrated system with a single reservoir and unified distribution network. This consolidation simplifies the bill of materials, reduces the number of assembly steps, and eases packaging requirements while still providing comprehensive lubrication coverage for all gear trains through the integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A gearbox is provided for use in a gas turbine engine. The gearbox includes a plurality of gears, a casing surrounding the plurality of gears, and a lubricant re-circulation system. The casing defines a sump positioned beneath the plurality of gears to retain lubricant. The lubricant re-circulation system includes a re-circulation pump, a re-circulation inlet positioned within the sump, and a re-circulation outlet positioned to supply lubricant to the plurality of gears.