Nested Sump Assembly for Compact Gas Turbine Engine Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sump assemblies in gas turbine engines limit the axial length reduction when using reverse flow combustors, as they occupy space that could be utilized for a more compact design.
Innovation Solution
A sump assembly with a main housing, first and second walls, and a projection that integrally couple to form an inner and outer chamber configuration, including seals to maintain lubricant and air pressure, allowing for a more compact design without compromising the axial length reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional sump assembly is used proximate to the reverse flow combustor, then the bearing assembly is supported and lubricated, but the axial length of the gas turbine engine cannot be maximally reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sump assembly is designed with an inner chamber nested within an outer chamber, where the inner chamber houses the bearing assembly and the outer chamber provides structural support and lubricant containment. This nested configuration allows compact arrangement that maximizes axial length reduction while maintaining all necessary functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sump assembly utilizes a multi-chamber three-dimensional configuration with walls extending in multiple directions to create compact inner and outer chambers. This dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization and achieves maximal axial length reduction without compromising bearing support functionality.
2Length of moving object
If the sump assembly is made compact to reduce axial length, then the overall engine size is reduced, but the bearing assembly support and sealing functions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sump assembly is segmented into distinct inner and outer chambers with specific walls (first wall, second wall, third wall) that perform dedicated functions. The inner chamber provides bearing support while the outer chamber ensures lubricant containment, and multiple seals are strategically positioned at different locations to maintain reliability in the compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sump assembly are designed with specific local properties: the inner chamber has a configuration optimized for bearing support, the outer chamber is designed for lubricant containment, and seals are positioned at specific locations where they are most needed. This localized optimization maintains reliability while achieving compact overall dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a sump housing for a gas turbine engine. The sump housing includes a base portion and a first wall extending outwardly from the base portion. The first wall and the base portion at least partially define an inner chamber. A second wall is positioned outwardly from the first wall and extends outwardly from the base portion. The base portion, the first wall, and the second wall at least partially define an outer chamber positioned outwardly from the inner chamber. A projection extending inwardly from the first wall engages a bearing assembly. The base portion, the first wall, the second wall, and the projection are integrally coupled together.