Oil Recovery Gutter Surface Coating for Faster Turbomachine Evacuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft turbomachines require a high oil flow rate for operation, and existing oil recovery systems in mechanical reducers are inefficient in channeling and evacuating oil quickly enough to be cooled and reinjected into the lubrication system.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical part for an aircraft turbomachine, specifically an annular lubricating oil recovery gutter, is designed with a hydrophobic and/or lipophobic coating or surface texturing to enhance oil flow by reducing the spreading coefficient and promoting drop formation rather than film spreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional oil recovery gutter is used, then the structure is simple, but the oil flow rate is insufficient and evacuation is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the gutter through hydrophobic and/or lipophobic coating or surface texturing. This changes the interaction between the oil and the gutter surface, reducing adhesion and promoting faster oil flow and evacuation. The surface treatment alters the wetting characteristics, enabling oil to form droplets that roll off more quickly rather than spreading into films that slow down evacuation.
2Reliability
If the oil flow rate is increased, then lubrication efficiency improves, but the time required to cool and recycle oil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface treatment changes the physical parameters of the gutter-oil interface, creating a more efficient oil flow regime. By reducing surface adhesion through hydrophobic/lipophobic properties, the oil maintains better flow characteristics even at higher flow rates, allowing for faster evacuation and recycling without compromising lubrication efficiency.
3Productivity
If the oil is evacuated quickly, then recycling efficiency improves, but the oil flow becomes more turbulent and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic and/or lipophobic surface treatment modifies the flow regime by reducing adhesion forces between the oil and gutter surface. This allows for faster evacuation while maintaining flow stability, as the oil forms cohesive droplets that roll smoothly along the surface rather than adhering and creating irregular flow patterns. The surface treatment effectively decouples evacuation speed from flow instability.
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 hydrophobic and/or lipophobic surface treatment facilitates faster oil flow and evacuation, reducing the impact of ventilation air and allowing for quicker recycling of oil, which in turn reduces oil consumption during turbomachine operation.
Implementation Method 1
said surface comprising a coating that is more hydrophobic and/or lipophobic than said surface or a surface texturing rendering said surface more hydrophobic and/or lipophobic
Implementation Method 2
said surface comprising a coating that is more hydrophobic and/or lipophobic than said surface or a surface texturing rendering said surface more hydrophobic and/or lipophobic
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical part for an aircraft turbomachine, the mechanical part being made of metal and comprising at least one profiled surface configured to ensure an oil flow during operation. According to the invention, the surface includes a more hydrophobic and/or lipophobic coating than the surface or a surface texturing rendering the surface more hydrophobic and/or lipophobic