Lubrication System with Atomizer for Extreme Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lubrication systems face challenges in extreme temperature environments, where high temperatures can break down lubricants and low temperatures increase viscosity, making it difficult to deliver effective lubrication to components like turbine engine bearings.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with a tank, tube, and atomizer configuration that minimizes heat transfer and maintains lubricant in a controlled temperature range, using Durad™ as a lubricant that transitions from liquid to solid film lubricant to effectively lubricate components over a wide temperature range, and an atomizing nozzle to ensure droplet size and momentum for effective delivery through turbulent air flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional lubrication systems are used in high temperature environments, then the lubricant can be delivered to the component, but the high temperature breaks down the lubricant and reduces its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the phase transition of the lubricant from liquid to solid film form as temperature increases. The system is designed to deliver liquid lubricant at lower temperatures, which then transitions to a solid film lubricant at higher operating temperatures, maintaining lubrication effectiveness across a wide temperature range without requiring different lubricants for different temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating the lubricant in the tank before it is delivered to the component. This ensures the lubricant reaches the appropriate temperature for effective atomization and delivery through the turbulent environment, preventing temperature-related delivery issues while maintaining lubricant stability
2Temperature
If conventional lubrication systems are used in low temperature environments, then the lubricant can be stored, but the viscosity increases and makes it difficult to move the lubricant from storage tank to component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the phase transition of the lubricant from liquid to solid film form as temperature increases. The system is designed to deliver liquid lubricant at lower temperatures, which then transitions to a solid film lubricant at higher operating temperatures, maintaining lubrication effectiveness across a wide temperature range without requiring different lubricants for different temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating the lubricant in the tank before it is delivered to the component. This ensures the lubricant reaches the appropriate temperature for effective atomization and delivery through the turbulent environment, preventing temperature-related delivery issues while maintaining lubricant stability
3Volume of moving object
If lubricant is delivered through long conduits from storage tank to component, then the lubricant can be stored separately, but heat transfer occurs and affects the temperature control of the lubricant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the lubricant tank in thermal communication with the exhaust gas flow path. The tank is positioned to utilize the thermal energy from the exhaust gases directly, eliminating the need for long external conduits and associated heat transfer problems. This nested arrangement allows the tank to be thermally coupled to the heat source while maintaining compact system integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the exhaust gas flow as an intermediary thermal medium to transfer heat to the lubricant tank. Rather than using long conduits that would cause unwanted heat loss or gain, the system employs the existing hot gas flow as a thermal intermediary to efficiently and controllably heat the lubricant to the required temperature
4Ease of operation
If atomized lubricant is delivered through turbulent air flows, then the lubricant can reach the component, but the droplet size and momentum must be precisely controlled for effective delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the phase transition of the lubricant from liquid to solid film form as temperature increases. The system is designed to deliver liquid lubricant at lower temperatures, which then transitions to a solid film lubricant at higher operating temperatures, maintaining lubrication effectiveness across a wide temperature range without requiring different lubricants for different temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas flow through the atomizer nozzle to create and control the atomized lubricant spray. The gas pressure and flow rate are controlled to produce consistent droplet sizes and momentum, enabling reliable delivery of lubricant through the turbulent environment to the component surface
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 ensures consistent lubrication across extreme temperature ranges, minimizing heat transfer and optimizing lubricant delivery, reducing the need for scavenging systems and maintaining component performance by using a lubricant that adapts from liquid to solid film lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
an atomizer in fluid communication with the second end of the tube to receive lubricant from the tank. The atomizer is operable to dispense atomized lubricant on the component
Implementation Method 2
using Durad™ as a lubricant that transitions from liquid to solid film lubricant to effectively lubricate components over a wide temperature range
Implementation Method 3
A lubrication system with a tank, tube, and atomizer configuration that minimizes heat transfer and maintains lubricant in a controlled temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication system for a component is disclosed herein. The disclosed lubrication system can be applied relatively high temperature operating environments, relatively low temperature operating environments, or both. The lubrication system includes a tank operable to contain lubricant and having at least one tank outlet. The lubrication system also includes a tube extending between first and second ends. The first end of the tube is in fluid communication with at least one tank outlet. The lubrication system also includes an atomizer in fluid communication with the second end of the tube to receive lubricant from the tank. The atomizer is operable to dispense atomized lubricant on the component. The tank, the tube, and the atomizer are all adjacent to the component. A method for practicing the invention is also disclosed.