Labyrinth Seal Flow Splitter With Tunable Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow splitter systems in turbine engines face challenges in efficiently splitting incoming flows between high and low pressure regions, which can lead to damage to downstream components and engine inefficiencies if not executed properly.
Innovation Solution
A labyrinth seal system with a flow splitter that includes a stepped ring and upstream restriction, featuring apertures that can be adjusted to control the rate of exit and secondary flows, allowing for precise manipulation of flow distribution by varying the quantity and size of apertures, and potentially reversing the secondary flow direction through adjustable aperture structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flow splitter is employed to split incoming flow between high and low pressure regions, then flow distribution control is improved, but improper execution can cause damage to downstream components and engine inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable aperture structures that allow dynamic modification of flow paths and flow rates. The apertures can be tuned to control the distribution of flow between high and low pressure regions, enabling adaptive response to varying operating conditions and preventing harmful effects from improper flow splitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable aperture size and configuration to change flow parameters. By modifying aperture dimensions and positions, the system can precisely control flow rate, pressure distribution, and flow direction, thereby optimizing flow splitting while preventing damage to downstream components.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed aperture structures are used in flow splitters, then manufacturing is simplified, but flow control precision and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed to adjustable aperture structures, enabling dynamic control of flow parameters. The adjustable mechanisms allow the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular design and standardized adjustment components.
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 system effectively splits flows, optimizing engine performance by allowing for precise control of exit and secondary flows, reducing the risk of damage and inefficiencies, and enabling efficient operation across various engine types.
Implementation Method 1
A labyrinth seal with flow splitter may be employed to split an upstream flow into an exit flow and a secondary flow
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A flow splitter (100, 200), which can be used in a labyrinth seal system (202), includes a stepped ring (104, 204) and a flow restriction (106, 206, 212). The stepped ring (104, 204) includes a first inner wall (108, 214) having a first diameter (110, 216), a second inner wall (112, 218) having a second diameter (114, 220) less than the first diameter (110, 216), a radial step (116, 222) that transitions from the first to the second inner wall (108, 110, 214, 216), and a plurality of apertures (122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134 136, 224, 226, 228, 230, 234, 236, 238) circumferentially located along the first inner wall (108, 214) and partially through the radial step (116, 222). The flow restriction (106, 206, 212) has at least a portion thereof at a position between the first diameter (110, 216) and the second diameter (114, 220). Further, the flow restriction (106, 206, 212) directs a flow (140, 142, 248, 250, 252) of at least one of a gas and a fluid towards the first inner wall (108, 214), and is configured to split the flow into an exit flow (144, 256) and a secondary flow (146, 258). The exit flow (144, 256) exits the stepped ring (104, 204) via the plurality of apertures (122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134 136, 224, 226, 228, 230, 234, 236, 238) and the secondary flow (146, 258) proceeds downstream directed by the second inner wall (112, 218).