Journal Bearing Filter Module for Debris-Free Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Epicyclic gear systems in gas turbine engines face challenges in maintaining debris-free lubrication due to the high stresses and torque transferred, which leads to wear and breakage, and existing solutions require multiple components that can introduce debris during repair and installation.
Innovation Solution
A journal bearing with a central body and integrated filter module that traps debris from the lubricant fluid, allowing for easy installation and removal, ensuring debris-free lubrication with a single diameter internal passageway and minimizing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parts are used to deliver lubrication in prior art epicyclic gear systems, then lubrication delivery is achieved, but the number of parts increases leading to more potential debris sources and higher complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter element and jumper tube into a single integrated filter module assembly. This merging of components reduces the total number of parts that could potentially introduce debris, while maintaining the lubrication delivery function. The integrated design eliminates multiple separate components that would require individual installation and could each be potential debris sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter module serves multiple functions: it filters debris from the lubricant, provides a sealed connection point for the jumper tube, and integrates the filtration and lubrication delivery functions into a single universal component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used in the lubrication system, then lubrication function is achieved, but repair and installation risks introducing debris into the epicyclic gear system
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the filter and jumper tube into a single integrated module, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled during repair and installation. Fewer components mean fewer opportunities for debris to be introduced during maintenance operations, while the integrated design maintains full lubrication functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a single unit filter module is used, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but filtering effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element and jumper tube are merged into a single integrated filter module that can be installed and removed as one unit. This combining maintains filtering effectiveness through the integrated design while significantly improving ease of operation during installation and maintenance, as the entire filtration assembly can be handled as a single component.
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
The solution effectively filters out debris, reducing wear and maintenance-related contamination, while simplifying the lubrication system and reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing parts and o-rings, ensuring a consistent lubricant film for reduced friction and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
The filter module is disposed in the first passageway and is configured to trap debris from a lubricant fluid flowing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
providing debris free lubrication to the epicyclic gear system is critical to reducing part wear
Data Source
AI summary
A journal bearing includes a central body having first passageway and a filter module. The central body extends axially and is adapted to be supported at each outer end. The first passageway extends generally axially through a portion of the central body. The filter module is disposed in the first passageway and is configured to trap debris from a lubricant fluid flowing therethrough. In one embodiment, the filter module is adapted to be inserted and removed from the first passageway as a single unit, thereby allowing the filter module to be connected and disconnected from fluid communication with a lubricant manifold positioned adjacent the journal bearing.