Integrated Phonic Wheel Scoop for Turbine Speed Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor systems for gas turbine engines, which utilize phonic wheels to measure rotational velocity, lack efficiency and effectiveness in accurately determining rotational velocity due to limitations in design and integration with lubrication systems.

Innovation Solution

A turbine engine assembly that includes a rotating assembly with a phonic wheel threaded onto an engine shaft, featuring a lubricant scoop and an anti-rotation feature, and a sensor system to measure magnetic field fluctuations induced by the phonic wheel, enhancing rotational velocity measurement accuracy and integration with lubrication systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a separate lubricant delivery system is used, then lubrication function is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidlubrication function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant scoop is integrated directly into the phonic wheel structure, combining the lubrication delivery function with the rotational sensing component. This eliminates the need for separate lubricant delivery mechanisms, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable lubrication to the bearing through the rotating scoop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Weight of moving object

If multiple separate components are used, then specific functions are provided, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly weightVSAvoidpart count

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phonic wheel is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides rotational velocity sensing through its magnetic features and lubricant delivery through the integrated scoop. This consolidation eliminates separate lubricant delivery components, reducing both part count and overall assembly weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The phonic wheel serves multiple functions: it generates magnetic field fluctuations for sensor detection, provides structural support, and delivers lubricant to the bearing through the integrated scoop. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution improves the accuracy of rotational velocity measurement, reduces engine assembly complexity, and optimizes lubricant delivery, leading to enhanced performance and reduced weight and part count in gas turbine engines.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is configured to measure fluctuations in a magnetic field induced by the phonic wheel during rotation of the rotating assembly about the axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field fluctuations: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12258869B2Turbine engine phonic wheel with integrated lubricant scoop

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 RTX CORP

AI summary

An assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This turbine engine assembly includes a rotating assembly and a sensor. The rotating assembly is configured to rotate about an axis. The rotating assembly includes an engine shaft and a phonic wheel threaded onto the engine shaft. The phonic wheel includes a lubricant scoop. The sensor is configured to measure fluctuations in a magnetic field induced by the phonic wheel during rotation of the rotating assembly about the axis.