Gravity-Actuated Valve for Lubrication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine lubrication systems face interruptions in lubricant supply during negative gravity conditions, leading to potential damage of engine components due to non-lubricated operation, as the liquid in the reservoir rises and exposes air passages, disrupting the main pump's operation.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-actuated shuttle valve that selectively directs fluid flow from a main reservoir to an auxiliary reservoir, ensuring continuous lubrication by switching between sources based on gravitational force thresholds, thereby maintaining lubricant supply during normal, zero, and negative gravity conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main reservoir is used to hold lubricating liquid under normal gravity conditions, then the liquid supply to the main pump is reliable during normal operation, but the liquid supply is interrupted during negative gravity conditions when liquid rises to expose air passages
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir system is segmented into a main reservoir and an auxiliary reservoir, each serving different gravity conditions. The main reservoir serves during normal positive gravity conditions, while the auxiliary reservoir takes over during negative gravity conditions. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different operational environments without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A gravity-operated valve acts as an intermediary device between the main reservoir and the auxiliary reservoir, automatically directing lubricant flow from the appropriate reservoir based on gravity conditions. The valve mediates the transition between reservoirs, ensuring continuous lubricant supply without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the main pump is driven by the high pressure spool, then lubrication is maintained during normal engine operation, but lubrication is interrupted when the high pressure spool stops or reduces rpm
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary reservoir is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides lubrication backup during negative gravity conditions, and also serves as an emergency lubrication source when the main pump fails or operates at reduced capacity. This multi-functionality ensures continuous protection of gear and bearing surfaces under various failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary reservoir is pre-filled with lubricating liquid and positioned to automatically engage when needed. The gravity-operated valve is pre-configured to switch to the auxiliary reservoir under specific conditions, ensuring immediate lubrication continuity without delay or manual intervention during critical failure scenarios.
3Reliability
If a gravity-operated valve with moving parts is added to switch between reservoirs, then lubrication continuity is improved during adverse gravity conditions, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to operate automatically using the force of gravity itself as the actuating mechanism. The gravity-operated valve uses the weight of the lubricant and gravitational force to open and close passages, eliminating the need for external power sources, control systems, or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service approach minimizes complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 valve ensures reliable lubrication to engine components by switching between reservoirs, reducing the risk of component damage and extending the duration of lubricant supply during adverse gravity conditions, while minimizing additional weight and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the valve body, the movable member and the biasing element arranged within the valve body; wherein the movable member is gravitationally actuated
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve (60) includes a valve body (90) defining a valve cavity. The valve body has first (96) and second (98) inlet ports, an outlet port (100), and a dump port (102). A weighted member (92) is positioned in the valve cavity and is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the first inlet port is fluidically connected to the outlet port and the second inlet port is fluidically connected to the dump port. In the second position, the second inlet port and the dump port are fluidically connected to the outlet port.