Gas Turbine Linkage Assembly With Spring Anti-Rotation Bias
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, linkage assemblies with radial spherical plain bearing links allow for three rotational degrees of freedom, resulting in an unconstrained rotational degree of freedom about the longitudinal axis, which needs to be addressed without replacing existing hardware.
Innovation Solution
A linkage assembly is designed with a biasing member, including an elastic biasing member such as a flat U-shaped spring, secured between the flange and the sliding bearing housing, which contacts the sliding bearing housing to bias the link against rotation about its center axis, eliminating the unwanted rotational freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radial spherical plain bearing links are used to allow three rotational degrees of freedom, then the linkage assembly achieves greater mobility and flexibility, but an unwanted unconstrained rotational degree of freedom about the longitudinal axis is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing member (spring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the link and the bearing housing. This spring applies a continuous biasing force that constrains the link's longitudinal axis, eliminating the unwanted rotational degree of freedom while preserving the other three rotational degrees of freedom provided by the spherical plain bearing.
2Device complexity
If existing hardware is retained without replacement, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the unwanted rotational degree of freedom cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the constraint function from the existing bearing hardware. Instead of replacing the entire bearing assembly, only a simple biasing member (spring) is added as a separate component. This segmented approach maintains compatibility with existing hardware while adding the necessary rotational constraint function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a biasing member is added to constrain rotation about the longitudinal axis, then rotational stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member changes the mechanical parameter of the system by introducing a continuous biasing force that limits rotational motion. This parameter change (adding elastic force) achieves rotational constraint with a simple component that does not significantly complicate the overall linkage assembly structure.
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 configuration effectively restricts rotational motion about the longitudinal axis, enhancing the stability and functionality of the linkage assemblies in gas turbine engines without requiring hardware replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member is an elastic biasing member that includes a first annular spacer having a first opening through which the pin extends
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Disclosed is a linkage assembly for a gas turbine engine (20) having a link (102a-102d) having a first end (104a), a second end (104b), and a rod (106) extending therebetween, the first end having a first sliding bearing (108) disposed within a first sliding bearing housing (107), a fastener (118) comprising a first flange (126a) and a second flange (126b), a pin (120) extending between the first flange and the second flange, wherein the first sliding bearing is pivotally connected to the pin; and a biasing member (136a, 136b) secured between the first flange and the sliding bearing housing, the biasing member contacting the sliding bearing housing and biasing the link against rotation about a center axis for the rod of the link.