Offset Multi-Conduit Ducting for Low-Loss Engine Fuel Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated fuel supply duct systems with multiple flows face friction losses, which compromise pressure capability and low-cycle fatigue life, while larger ducts to mitigate pressure drop increase weight and space requirements, and conventional designs are cumbersome due to fixed piping lengths and carbon buildup.

Innovation Solution

The integrated fluid conduit design features a central axis with offset interior conduits, including bends and non-concentric configurations, optimizing hydraulic diameters to minimize friction losses and balance pressure forces, while incorporating flexible bends and additive manufacturing for reduced weight and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If larger ducts are used to limit pressure drop, then friction losses are reduced, but system weight and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction lossesVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple interior conduits are nested within a single integrated duct structure, allowing multiple fluid flows to share a common outer boundary. This nesting arrangement reduces the total external volume required compared to separate ducts, thereby reducing weight and space requirements while maintaining adequate flow capacity for each circuit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The interior conduits have different cross-sectional areas and hydraulic diameters optimized for their specific flow requirements. High-flow circuits receive larger local cross-sections to minimize friction losses, while low-flow circuits use smaller sections, allowing each flow path to be locally optimized without increasing overall system size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If larger ducts are used to limit pressure drop, then friction losses are reduced, but system volume and packaging space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure dropVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple interior conduits are nested within a single integrated duct structure, allowing multiple fluid flows to share a common outer boundary. This nesting arrangement reduces the total external volume required compared to separate ducts, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining adequate flow capacity for each circuit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple non-concentric interior conduits within the integrated duct. By optimizing the vertical and radial positioning of conduits, the design achieves adequate hydraulic diameters for pressure drop management without increasing the overall external envelope volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional separate piping is used for each fuel circuit, then routing flexibility is maintained, but device complexity and parts count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidparts count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate fuel circuit conduits are merged into a single integrated duct structure containing multiple interior flow paths. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate ducts, connections, and mounting hardware for each circuit, significantly reducing parts count and assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to route different flows independently through the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated duct structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides separate flow paths for different fuel circuits, acts as a single structural component, provides mounting interfaces for multiple nozzles, and enables thermal coupling between circuits. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If fixed piping length is used in conventional manifolds, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to thermal growth and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidthermal growth accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated duct structure incorporates dynamic flexibility through its geometry and material properties, allowing the conduits to expand and contract with thermal growth. The design accommodates differential thermal expansion between the cool fuel circuits and the hot combustor case through flexible routing and compliant connections, maintaining structural integrity under thermal loading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11262003B2Integral fluid conduit

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A integrated fluid conduit is provided having two or more internal conduits, the size and shape of the internal conduits is designed to optimize the hydraulic diameter of each conduit based on the needs of the system. The integrated fluid conduit is advantageously manufactured according to additive manufacturing techniques which enable formation of off-center and/or non-concentric internal conduits adapted to specific applications requiring turns such as the fuel delivery system or the hydraulic system of/on a gas turbine engine for an airplane.