Integrated Oil Distribution Ring and Seal Track for Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil distribution and sealing systems in aircraft turbine engines are complex, with multiple components and potential for oil leakage, which complicates the cooling of dynamic seals and increases the risk of mechanical integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece oil distribution ring and dynamic seal track integrated into a single body, which simplifies the lubrication and cooling circuit, reduces the number of parts, and minimizes the need for additional sealing systems, thereby enhancing the sealing effectiveness and reducing the risk of oil leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate distribution ring and seal track components are used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distribution ring and seal track into a single integrated component. The distribution ring includes an integrated seal track formed on its outer cylindrical surface, eliminating the need for separate seal track components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the functional flexibility of the original separate-component design.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to additional sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the seal track directly onto the distribution ring, the patent eliminates the interfaces between separate components that would require additional sealing. The single-piece construction removes potential leakage paths while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through conventional machining or forming processes.
3Reliability
If separate sealing systems are added, then oil leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution ring's own structure provides the sealing function through its integrated seal track. The design uses the distribution ring's cylindrical surface itself as the sealing interface, eliminating the need for separate sealing systems. The geometry of the integrated track creates effective sealing without additional components.
4Temperature
If separate seal track is used, then thermal conduction cooling effectiveness is improved, but device footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal track is integrated directly onto the distribution ring, creating a thermally conductive path from the bearing through the distribution ring material to the seal track. This merging allows efficient heat transfer from friction-generated heat at the seal interface through the distribution ring body, providing cooling without requiring separate cooling components or increasing device footprint.
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 integrated design reduces the size and complexity of the device, improves sealing efficiency, and effectively cools the dynamic seal track through thermal conduction, minimizing uncontrolled oil leakage and maintaining mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the circulation of oil near this raceway allows it to be cooled by thermal conduction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Device for distributing oil from a rolling bearing (8) for an aircraft turbine engine, comprising: - a rolling bearing (8) comprising two rings (12, 14), respectively an inner ring and an outer ring, - an oil distribution ring (5) configured to be mounted on a turbine engine shaft (4), said distribution ring comprising: i) a first outer cylindrical surface (5a) for mounting the inner ring (12) of the bearing, and ii) an oil recovery scoop (11) supplying a lubricating circuit (7) of the bearing, - an annular track (26) of a dynamic seal (22), characterised in that the distribution ring (5) and the track (26) are formed by a single-piece body, and in that the lubricating circuit (7) is formed in said body and extends into the distribution ring and the track.