Integrated Deaerator Filler Cap for Stronger Oil Tank Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine oil tanks with baffles face inefficiencies in oil distribution and maintenance, leading to increased time and material usage, as well as structural weaknesses due to multiple openings and reduced space utilization.
Innovation Solution
An integrated deaerator with a filler port allows direct oil flow into the lower compartment of the oil tank, reducing the number of openings in the tank and enhancing maintenance efficiency by incorporating the filler port within the deaerator, which saves space and increases structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings are added to the oil tank for baffles and filler ports, then oil distribution and maintenance functions are improved, but structural strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The filler port is integrated into the deaerator assembly, combining two functional elements (filler port and deaerator) into a single unified structure. This reduces the number of separate openings required in the oil tank, thereby preserving structural strength while maintaining both filling and air-removal functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for filler port and deaerator, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and space utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The deaerator assembly incorporates the filler port as an integrated component, merging two previously separate elements into one unified structure. This reduces device complexity and improves space utilization within the oil tank assembly while preserving both filling and air-removal functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The deaerator assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both an air-removal device and a filler port access point. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
3Ease of repair
If traditional oil tank design with separate filler port is used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but time consumption and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the filler port into the deaerator assembly, the design allows maintenance personnel to access both the filler port and deaerator functions through a single access point, reducing maintenance time and procedural complexity while maintaining ease of service.
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 enhances oil distribution efficiency, reduces maintenance time, and increases the durability and strength of the oil tank by minimizing external openings, thereby optimizing space and weight reduction in the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
The deaerator may be configured to separate air from oil in an air-oil mixture such that the oil flows through the deaerator outlet and such that the air flow through the vent
Data Source
AI summary
An oil tank assembly for a gas turbine engine may include an oil tank having an upper compartment and a lower compartment. A baffle may separate the upper compartment of the oil tank from the lower compartment of the oil tank. A de-aerator may be included, where the de-aerator includes an oil inlet, a de-aerator outlet, and an air vent. The de-aerator may be configured to separate air from oil in an air-oil mixture such that the oil flows through the de-aerator outlet and such that the air flow through the vent. Further, the de-aerator may include a fill port for receiving oil.