Jet Engine Transmission Oil Circuit With Reservoir-Level Priority
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine transmission systems are unable to maintain sufficient oil supply across the entire operating range, leading to thermal and mechanical stresses that compromise operation.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft engine design with an oil circuit that prioritizes oil supply to the transmission via a hydraulic line path, with oil being directed into a further line path once a defined reservoir level is reached, ensuring adequate supply through open-loop and closed-loop control, and featuring a pump driven by the transmission to minimize power losses and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single oil supply circuit is used for the transmission, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of oil supply across the entire operating range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The oil supply system is segmented into two separate circuits: a first oil supply circuit that supplies oil to the transmission during normal operation, and a second oil supply circuit that activates when the oil level in the reservoir reaches a defined maximum level. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable oil supply across the entire operating range while managing complexity through functional division rather than a single complex control system.
2Reliability
If oil is continuously supplied to the transmission, then the reliability of lubrication is improved, but the risk of oil reservoir overflow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The oil supply system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the oil level in the reservoir. The control unit monitors the oil level and selectively activates the first or second oil supply circuit accordingly. When the oil level is low, the first circuit supplies oil to maintain lubrication; when the oil level reaches the maximum defined level, the second circuit activates to prevent overflow. This dynamic adaptation ensures both reliable lubrication and prevention of harmful overflow effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pump operates continuously, then the oil supply stability is improved, but the power losses and pump wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the control unit determines that oil supply is needed based on reservoir oil level conditions. The pump is activated during periods when the first oil supply circuit is operational and the oil level requires replenishment, and remains inactive when the second oil supply circuit is active or when adequate oil levels are maintained. This periodic operation maintains oil supply stability while significantly reducing power losses and pump wear compared to continuous operation.
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
Ensures consistent oil supply to the transmission across all operating states, reducing mechanical and thermal stresses, minimizing power losses, and extending pump service life by only operating the pump when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
an opening of the hydraulic line path for the removal of oil from the oil reservoir is arranged below the defined filling level of the oil reservoir
Implementation Method 2
Oil fed to the transmission can be directed out of the transmission into an oil reservoir, from which oil can be introduced directly back into the transmission via a hydraulic line path
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft engine having an oil circuit and a transmission that can be supplied with oil via the oil circuit. Oil fed to the transmission can be directed out of the transmission into an oil reservoir, from which oil can be introduced directly back into the transmission via a hydraulic line path. According to the invention, the oil fed to the oil reservoir can only be fed to the hydraulic line path below a defined filling level of the oil reservoir. When the defined filling level of the oil reservoir is reached, oil can also be introduced into a further hydraulic line path.