Cross-Diffuser Bleed Through Internal Radial Diffuser Conduits

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bleed air systems in gas turbine engines require external routing, which adds weight, increases maintenance complexity, and compromises engine performance due to the need for external components that can be damaged during installation and use.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an internal bleed air system within the gas turbine engine using a radial diffuser with integrated bleed conduits, allowing bleed air to be routed internally from the forward to the aft side of the diffuser, reducing the need for external components and minimizing weight and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If external routing is used for bleed air systems, then the system can be implemented with conventional components, but the weight increases and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bleed air routing function with the diffuser structure by integrating bleed conduits directly into the diffuser vanes. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external routing components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining manufacturability through a unified structural design approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from external three-dimensional routing to internal two-dimensional integration within the diffuser plane. By embedding bleed conduits within the diffuser vane structure, the system achieves weight reduction through planar integration rather than volumetric external routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If external routing is used for bleed air systems, then the system can be installed with standard procedures, but the maintenance complexity increases and durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bleed air routing function with the diffuser structure, eliminating multiple external components that would require separate maintenance procedures. This integration simplifies maintenance by reducing the number of discrete parts that need inspection, removal, and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the bleed air routing function from the external component assembly and integrates it directly into the diffuser structure. This extraction eliminates vulnerable external connections and reduces maintenance complexity by removing intermediate components that would require separate servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If external components are used for bleed air routing, then the system can be assembled with conventional methods, but the engine performance is compromised due to increased nacelle drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidnacelle drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bleed air routing function with the diffuser structure, eliminating external components that would increase nacelle drag. This integration ensures that the bleed air system does not protrude into the airflow path, thereby maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance while preserving manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces the overall weight and maintenance requirements of the engine, improves durability, and enhances engine performance by eliminating the need for external components, thus optimizing engine functions and reducing nacelle drag.

Implementation Method 1

Diffusers include a plurality of diffuser vanes to aid in reducing the velocity of the compressed airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

At least one bleed conduit is positioned between respective passageways of the plurality of discrete passageways, the at least one bleed conduit defining at least a portion of a bleed air path from the forward side to the aft side of the diffuser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20260022657A1Methods and apparatus to provide cross-diffuser bleed

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods to provide for cross-diffuser bleed are provided herein. An example gas turbine engine includes a frame defining a cavity in a forward side of a diffuser of the gas turbine engine; a compressor including the diffuser, the diffuser defining a primary flowpath to provide air flow to a combustor and including at least one conduit, the at least one conduit fluidly coupled to the cavity; and a downstream sink fluidly coupled to the cavity via the at least one conduit defining at least a portion of a bleed air path.