Integrated Pump Sleeve for Aircraft Drive Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated drive generators for aircraft gas turbine engines are complex, requiring extensive disassembly for maintenance, which increases costs and time due to numerous parts and intricate gear connections between pumps.
Innovation Solution
A pump sleeve design that houses the charge pump, scavenge pump, and inversion pump as a single unit, reducing the number of attachment components and gears, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing internal vibration and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps (charge pump, scavenge pump, inversion pump) are connected using traditional gear assemblies, then the integrated drive generator can perform multiple oil circulation functions, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pumps (charge pump, scavenge pump, inversion pump) into a single integrated pump assembly with a common drive shaft and shared housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate gear assemblies for each pump, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to perform multiple oil circulation functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump assembly serves multiple functions through a single unified structure. The common drive shaft drives all three pumps, and the shared housing provides structural support for all pump components. This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts and simplifies maintenance while achieving versatile oil circulation capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate pump assemblies with multiple gear connections are used, then each pump can be independently designed, but the maintenance time and cost increase due to extensive disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple pumps into a single integrated assembly with a common housing and drive shaft, the patent reduces the number of connection points and fasteners that must be removed during maintenance. The unified structure allows technicians to service multiple pumps simultaneously or access all pump components through a single access point, significantly reducing maintenance time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pump assemblies are used with intricate gear connections, then design flexibility is maintained, but internal vibration and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pump assembly with a common drive shaft and shared housing creates a more rigid and stable structural framework. This unified structure reduces relative motion between pump components, minimizing internal vibration and wear. The shared housing provides precise alignment for all pump elements, further reducing wear while maintaining design flexibility for different pump configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump sleeve includes a tubular body extending from a first end to a second end along a center axis. A first hole is formed in the tubular body and is positioned axially on the tubular body between the first end and the second end. A second hole is formed in the tubular body, the second hole being axially aligned on the tubular body with the first hole. A third hole is formed in the tubular body and is positioned axially on the tubular body between the first end and the first hole. A fourth hole is formed in the tubular body, the fourth hole being axially aligned on the tubular body with the third hole.