Geared Turbine Flex Support With Axial Retention for Extreme Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachines with geared architectures experience undesirable axial movement during extreme events like fan blade loss or bearing failure, as compliant support structures fail to provide adequate axial retention.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly comprising a flex support with a bellow, secured to an engine static structure, and featuring first and second members that are circumferentially aligned and spaced apart during normal operation but engageable during extreme events to limit axial movement of the geared architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compliant support structures are used to accommodate normal movement, then ease of operation is improved, but axial retention during extreme events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple functional components: compliant elements (bellows) that accommodate normal movement, and rigid retainer members that provide axial retention during extreme events. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic system that adapts its stiffness characteristics. During normal operation, the compliant bellows allow movement; during extreme events, the retainer members engage to provide rigid axial retention. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
2Reliability
If rigid support structures are used to prevent axial movement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple functional components: compliant elements (bellows) that accommodate normal movement, and rigid retainer members that provide axial retention during extreme events. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the support structure have different mechanical properties: the bellows portion is compliant to allow normal movement, while the retainer members are rigid to prevent axial movement during extreme events. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
3Reliability
If axial retention features are always engaged, then reliability during extreme events is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer members are pre-positioned to engage automatically when axial movement exceeds the compliant bellows' accommodation capacity. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for active control systems or complex sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses self-regulating mechanics where the retainer members engage automatically based on the degree of axial displacement. The system self-adjusts its stiffness without external intervention, avoiding the need for complex control systems while ensuring reliability during extreme events.
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 support assembly effectively limits axial movement of the geared architecture during extreme events, preventing disengagement of the fan section from the engine static structure, thereby maintaining engine stability.
Implementation Method 1
A flex support is secured to the engine static structure and includes a bellow
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a geared architecture includes an engine static structure. A flex support is secured to the engine static structure and includes a bellow. A support structure is operatively secured to the flex support. A geared architecture is mounted to the support structure. First members are removably secured to one of the engine static structure and the flex support and second members are removably secured to the support structure. The first and second members are circumferentially aligned with one another and spaced apart from one another during a normal operating condition. The first and second members are configured to be engageable with one another during an extreme event to limit axial movement of the geared architecture relative to the engine static structure.