Hydraulic Electrical Interface Ring Axial Interlocking Turbine Engine

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in effectively transferring pressurized oil from the inside to the outside of a turbomachine's separation shroud to power the linear actuator, which is crucial for blade orientation and lubrication in open rotor type turbomachines, while also ensuring electrical connectivity and simplifying assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic and electrical interface ring with axial fluid transfer ducts and support means for electrical equipment, featuring axial interlocking ends and attachment mechanisms, facilitates fluid transfer and electrical connection, allowing for simplified mounting and reduced complexity in manufacturing by integrating multiple functions into a single component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate components are used for fluid transfer and electrical connection, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid transfer reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluid transfer ducts and electrical connection means into a single integrated interface ring component. The ducts pass axially through the ring while electrical connectors are mounted on the same ring, allowing simultaneous fluid and electrical connectivity through one assembly operation rather than multiple separate installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses fluid transfer ducts for oil supply, mounts electrical connectors for power and signal transmission, and provides axial interlocking features for secure attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for fluid transfer and electrical support, then each function can be independently designed, but manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates fluid transfer ducts and electrical connection means into a single interface ring that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps, quality checks, and assembly operations required compared to producing and assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface ring is designed as a universal component that simultaneously handles fluid transfer, electrical connection, mechanical support, and positioning functions. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the bill of materials and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If axial interlocking means are used at the ends of ducts, then assembly is simplified and positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface ring is segmented with axial interlocking features at the ends of the ducts, creating male and female coupling elements that guide assembly and ensure proper positioning. These interlocking means are integrated into the duct structure itself rather than being separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axial interlocking means act as intermediary features that facilitate the connection between the interface ring and mating components. These features provide mechanical guidance and secure attachment while being seamlessly integrated into the overall ring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables efficient transfer of oil and electrical connectivity, simplifies assembly, and reduces manufacturing complexity by providing a single component that handles fluid transfer and electrical support, ensuring reliable operation of turbomachine blades and actuator systems.

Implementation Method 1

fluid transfer ducts passing axially through the ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through ducts:

Implementation Method 2

the axial ends of which form axial interlocking means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

at least one electrical connection connector for the equipment, this connector being configured to cooperate by axial fitting with a complementary electrical connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2901069B1Hydraulic and electrical interface ring for a turbine engine
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP2901069B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2901069B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2901069B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulic and electrical interface ring (12) for a turbine engine, characterized in that said ring comprises fluid transfer pipes (20) which axially pass therethrough and having axial ends that form axial interlocking means, the supporting means (22) of at least one electrical device (24), and at least one electrical linking connector (26) of the device, said connector being configured to engage by axial interlocking with a complementary electrical connector of another part (14).