Integrated Generator-Pump for Aircraft Turbine Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft turbomachine lubrication units face challenges in integrating auxiliary electrical devices due to differing power supply specifications and the need for external electrical sources, leading to complex and potentially fragile wiring connections, especially in aircraft turbine engines.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electric generator with a pump function, where the rotor and stator are positioned around the pinion and crown, converting mechanical energy into both hydraulic and electrical energy, allowing for self-sufficiency in powering auxiliary devices within the lubrication unit without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric generator is installed in the lubrication unit to power auxiliary electrical devices, then the power supply problem is solved, but the system becomes heavy, expensive, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional pump and an electric generator into a single integrated unit where the pump's drive shaft directly couples to the generator. This merging eliminates the need for separate pump and generator installations, reducing overall system weight, volume, and cost while maintaining the ability to power auxiliary electrical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: the pump delivers lubrication fluid while simultaneously driving the generator to produce electrical power. This multi-functionality allows a single component assembly to replace what would traditionally require separate pump and power generation systems, addressing both lubrication and power supply needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pump and electric generator are installed separately, then both functions are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump and generator into one integrated assembly with direct mechanical coupling through the drive shaft. This single integrated unit replaces two separate systems, reducing installation complexity, maintenance requirements, and the number of electrical connections needed while maintaining both pumping and power generation capabilities
3Reliability
If external electrical connections are used to power auxiliary devices, then power supply is achieved, but the wiring becomes complex and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated generator-pump unit generates its own electrical power internally through the generator component, which is directly driven by the pump's mechanical operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external electrical connections and wiring to the aircraft fuselage, reducing wiring complexity and the risk of connection failures
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
This solution simplifies the design and maintenance of the lubrication unit by replacing traditional pumps and generators with a single, lightweight, and cost-effective 'generator-pump' device, reducing volume, weight, and power consumption while eliminating the need for external electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion (11) and a ring gear (12) arranged around the pinion (11), the ring gear (12) being mechanically coupled to the rotor (13) so as to rotate with the rotor (13), wherein the pinion (11) and the ring gear (12) form an internal gear pump
Implementation Method 2
a rotor (13) comprising magnets (3) and a stator (14) arranged around the rotor (13)... the rotation generates electrical energy in the stator coils
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device integrating a pump and an electric generator in a particularly small volume. Rotation of a pinion shaft (23) causes rotation of a pinion (11), which in turn causes rotation of a ring gear (12). The rotations of the pinion (11) and the ring gear (12) create a pumping action of fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet of the device. Magnets (3) are fixed to the ring gear (12) to form a rotor (13). Rotation of this rotor (13) relative to a stator (14) results in the production of electrical energy.