U-Shaped Mid-Turbine Frame With Dimples For Jet Engine Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine casings for jet turbine engines are heavy, which reduces the efficiency of the engine and increases drag, as they require additional structural elements like rails to support loads, leading to increased weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The engine casing features a U-shaped mid-turbine frame with dimples and embedded mounts or rail fins that distribute loads efficiently, eliminating the need for rails and reducing weight by allowing dual load transfer points and membrane bending, thereby enhancing load equilibrium and structural stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional engine casings use additional structural elements like rails to support loads, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine casing is segmented into multiple load transfer points distributed around the circumference, with dimples creating localized reinforcement zones. This segmentation allows loads to be distributed across multiple points rather than requiring continuous heavy structural elements like rails throughout the entire casing.
Solution Approach 2:
Dimples are strategically positioned at specific locations around the engine casing where load transfer is most critical. These localized features provide enhanced structural strength and stiffness precisely where needed for load bearing, while the rest of the casing maintains a lighter, more efficient design without unnecessary reinforcement.
2Loss of energy
If engine casing weight is reduced to increase efficiency, then fuel consumption decreases, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dimples are pre-formed during the casing manufacturing process, creating built-in reinforcement features that prepare the structure to handle operational loads. This preliminary structural preparation allows the casing to achieve adequate strength without requiring excessive material weight, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining structural integrity.
3Productivity
If dual load transfer points are implemented with dimples, then load distribution efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dimples are integrated directly into the engine casing as a single unified feature rather than separate components. This merging of the load transfer mechanism into the casing structure itself simplifies assembly and reduces manufacturing steps compared to using separate reinforcement elements or rails that would require additional installation operations.
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 design results in a lightweight engine casing that is 15-22% lighter than conventional casings, maintaining structural integrity while reducing drag and operational costs, and improving the engine's efficiency and specific fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The engine casing features a U-shaped mid-turbine frame with dimples and embedded mounts or rail fins that distribute loads efficiently, eliminating the need for rails and reducing weight by allowing dual load transfer points and membrane bending
Data Source
AI summary
An engine casing assembly having dual load transfer points includes a U-shaped mid-turbine frame, an engine casing, a plurality of dimples, a strut and a mounting apparatus. The engine casing has an exterior surface and an interior surface. A plurality dimples are formed in the engine casing so that U-shaped protrusions are formed in the interior surface and U-shaped indentions are formed in the exterior surface. A strut connects one U-shaped protrusion to the mid-turbine frame and a mounting apparatus located within an indention so that a load is transferred from the mid-turbine frame to the engine casing and the mounting apparatus.