Integrated Oil Distribution Ring for Bearing Seal Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for distributing oil in aircraft turbine engines are complex and prone to oil leakage, with dynamic seals generating heat that requires inefficient cooling methods and multiple parts contributing to larger dimensions and increased leakage risks.
Innovation Solution
A single-part body integrates the oil distribution ring and dynamic seal track, featuring an oil circuit that extends into both components for lubrication and cooling, reducing the number of parts, overall dimensions, and leakage risks through thermal conduction and simplified sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dynamic seal is positioned next to a rolling bearing in an oil enclosure, then sealing between oil and air enclosures is achieved, but friction generates heat that requires additional cooling measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal track and distribution ring into a single integrated component. The distribution ring is directly mounted on the shaft and forms the seal track, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems. The oil circulation system serves dual purposes: lubricating the bearing and cooling the seal track through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated distribution ring-seal track component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes oil to the bearing, forms the seal track for the dynamic seal, and provides a pathway for oil circulation to cool the seal track. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate components are used for the distribution ring and seal track, then each component can be optimized independently, but the number of parts increases and leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution ring and seal track are merged into a single integrated component that is directly mounted on the shaft. This integration reduces the number of parts, eliminates interfaces between components that could leak, and simplifies the assembly while maintaining the ability to optimize the overall component design.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the oil distribution system, then each component can be manufactured independently, but the overall device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated distribution ring-seal track component consolidates multiple functions into a single part that mounts directly on the shaft. This integration significantly reduces the radial and axial dimensions of the overall device compared to separate components, while the manufacturing process can still optimize the integrated structure as a whole.
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 integration reduces the device's size, enhances sealing efficiency, and minimizes oil leakage by utilizing thermal conduction for cooling, thereby improving the mechanical integrity and reliability of the dynamic seal.
Implementation Method 1
The circulation of oil near this track allows it to be cooled by thermal conduction
Implementation Method 2
the oil is typically injected on the roller bearing of these bearings to lubricate and cool them
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for distributing oil to a rolling bearing for an aircraft turbine engine include a rolling bearing including two rings, respectively an inner ring and an outer ring, an oil distribution ring configured to be mounted on a turbine engine shaft, said distribution ring including a first outer cylindrical surface for mounting the inner ring of the bearing, an oil recovery scoop supplying a lubricating circuit of the bearing, and an annular track of a dynamic seal. The distribution ring and the track are formed by a single-piece body, and the lubricating circuit is formed in said body and extends into the distribution ring and the track.