Bearing Inner Ring Lubrication Groove with Offset Radial Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed bearing assemblies in gas turbine engines face increased stress and limited lifespan due to traditional lubrication methods that distribute lubricating fluid through radial holes within axial slots, which can restrict operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The inner ring design features a circumferential slot adjacent the second axial end with radial passages offset from axial slots, allowing for efficient lubrication by directing fluid from the first axial end to the circumferential slot and then into circumferentially offset radial passages, reducing stress and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial holes are disposed within axial slots to deliver lubricating fluid, then lubrication is provided to bearing features, but stress in the inner ring increases and lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into distinct functional zones: axial slots for primary fluid delivery, a circumferential groove for fluid redistribution, and offset radial passages for targeted lubrication. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing stress concentration in the inner ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (radial holes within axial slots) to a three-dimensional configuration by adding a circumferential groove that connects axial slots to offset radial passages. This dimensional change enables more efficient fluid distribution and reduces stress by eliminating the need for holes to be positioned directly within slots.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lubrication channels are used, then lubrication is achieved, but operating conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential groove serves multiple functions: it collects lubricating fluid from axial slots, redistributes fluid to offset radial passages, and reduces stress concentration in the inner ring. This multi-functionality expands operating conditions without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential groove acts as an intermediary component between the axial slots and radial passages, enabling flexible fluid distribution pathways. This intermediary structure allows the system to adapt to various operating conditions by providing multiple fluid delivery routes without requiring complex individual channel designs.
3Quantity of substance
If radial holes are positioned within axial slots, then fluid communication is achieved, but stress concentration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the radial passages from their traditional position within the axial slots and relocates them to offset positions. The circumferential groove serves as the connecting medium, separating the fluid delivery function from the stress-prone overlapping geometry, thereby reducing stress concentration while maintaining effective lubrication.
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 design effectively reduces stress on the inner ring, increases operating conditions, and allows for the use of alternative bearing materials by efficiently distributing lubricating fluid, thereby enhancing the lifespan and performance of high-speed bearing assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
Lubricating fluid may be delivered by being channeled under the bearing, for example through axial slots formed on an inside surface of an inner ring of the bearing assembly, with radial holes extending through the inner ring to intersect the axial slots
Implementation Method 2
To reduce wear on bearing assemblies such as those used in gas turbine engines, lubricating fluid such as oil is typically used to keep them cool and lubricate them
Data Source
AI summary
An inner ring for a bearing assembly comprises an inner circumferential surface disposed between a first axial end and a second axial end. A circumferential slot is disposed in the inner circumferential surface adjacent the second axial end. At least one radial passage is disposed within the inner ring and is in fluid communication with the circumferential slot. At least one axial slot extends axially along the inner circumferential surface from a respective opening in the first axial end to the circumferential slot. At least one of the radial passage is circumferentially offset from each at least one axial slot.