Oil Distribution Ring for Turbine Actuator Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for supplying oil under pressure to linear actuators in turbine engines face challenges when the regulating means are situated radially outside the fixed portion of the actuator, particularly in transferring lubricant from the interior to the exterior across a separation collar.
Innovation Solution
A device with an oil distribution ring mounted radially outside the movable portion of the actuator, featuring internal conduits that communicate with oil passage channels in the fixed portion, allowing efficient connection to the regulating means and lubrication of the bearing, even when the regulating means are situated downstream of the collar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regulating means are mounted radially outside the movable portion of the actuator, then the lubrication of the bearing can be improved, but the connection between the oil supply channels and the regulating means becomes more complex due to the separation collar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oil distribution ring as an intermediary component mounted on the upstream end of the fixed portion. This ring receives oil from the supply channels through radial openings and redistributes it through axial openings to the regulating means located outside the movable portion, thereby simplifying the connection across the separation collar while ensuring reliable lubrication delivery
2Reliability
If the oil passage channels are routed through the fixed portion to reach the regulating means outside, then the lubrication can be provided, but misalignment risks increase between the channels and the regulating means
Solution Approach 1:
The oil distribution ring changes the dimension of oil flow distribution by receiving oil radially from the supply channels and redistributing it axially to the regulating means. This dimensional transformation (from radial to axial flow) eliminates alignment issues between the channels and regulating means, as the ring acts as a buffer that decouples the positional requirements of the two components
3Ease of operation
If the regulating means are situated downstream of the collar, then the actuator operation can be maintained, but the oil transfer efficiency across the collar is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The oil distribution ring performs preliminary action by collecting and pre-distributing the oil flow before it reaches the regulating means. By positioning the ring at the upstream end of the fixed portion and using its internal cavity and openings, the system prepares and directs the oil flow in advance, ensuring efficient transfer across the separation collar and adequate lubrication at the bearing
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 solution simplifies the connection of oil supply and lubrication, reducing misalignment risks and improving oil transfer efficiency, enabling effective operation of the actuator and blade orientation system.
Implementation Method 1
an oil distribution ring which is mounted on the upstream end portion of the fixed portion and which comprises internal conduits of which the inlets communicate with the outlets of the channels of the fixed portion and the outlets open axially downstream and are connected to the regulating means
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supplying oil under pressure to a linear actuator of a turbine engine, in which the actuator includes an internal fixed portion and an external movable portion and a regulating device for regulating and supplying oil to chambers of the actuator, is provided. The regulating device is mounted radially outside the movable portion of the actuator, and the fixed portion of the actuator includes on its upstream end portion oil passage channels of which the outlets open radially outwards. The device further includes an oil distribution ring which is mounted on the upstream end portion of the fixed portion and which includes internal conduits of which the inlets communicate with the outlets of the channels of the fixed portion and the outlets open axially downstream and are connected to the regulating device.