Phonic Wheel and Lubricant Scoop Assembly for Accurate Shaft Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for gas turbine engines, particularly those using phonic wheels, face limitations in accurately measuring rotational velocity due to inefficiencies in magnetic field induction and data processing.
Innovation Solution
A turbine engine assembly incorporating a rotating assembly with a phonic wheel and engine component, where the engine component and phonic wheel are made of non-ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic materials respectively, with teeth and apertures arranged circumferentially, allowing for precise measurement of magnetic field fluctuations to determine rotational velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a phonic wheel is used to induce magnetic field fluctuations for rotational velocity measurement, then the measurement capability is provided, but the accuracy and reliability of rotational velocity measurement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the phonic wheel from non-ferromagnetic to ferromagnetic material. This parameter change enhances the magnetic field induction capability, allowing for more accurate and reliable rotational velocity measurements through improved magnetic field fluctuations detected by the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the phonic wheel is made of ferromagnetic material while the engine component is made of non-ferromagnetic material. This composite approach optimizes magnetic field interaction for measurement purposes while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing interference.
2Measurement precision
If teeth of the phonic wheel project into apertures of the engine component, then magnetic field induction is improved, but flow disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the teeth of the phonic wheel ferromagnetic while keeping the rest of the engine component non-ferromagnetic. This localized ferromagnetic property enhances magnetic field induction at the tooth-aperture interface without requiring the entire structure to be ferromagnetic, thereby reducing overall flow disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a precise geometric copy where the teeth of the phonic wheel match the apertures of the engine component in shape and position. This copying ensures optimal magnetic field induction through precise alignment while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding fluid flow paths.
3Measurement precision
If the lateral tooth width is matched to the lateral aperture width within ten percent, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a parameter range for the lateral tooth width to be within ten percent of the lateral aperture width. This parameter specification balances measurement precision requirements with manufacturing feasibility, allowing for acceptable tolerances while maintaining sufficient measurement accuracy.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy and reliability of rotational velocity measurement, reducing flow disruptions and improving lubricant collection efficiency, thereby optimizing the performance of the turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system configured to measure a rotational velocity of a rotating element such as an engine shaft. Various types of sensor systems are known in the art, including those which utilize a phonic wheel to induce fluctuations in a magnetic field.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (10) for a turbine engine includes a rotating assembly (14) configured to rotate about an axis (28). The rotating assembly (14) includes an engine component (30) and a phonic wheel (36). The engine component (30) includes a first material and a plurality of apertures (58) arranged circumferentially about the axis (28). The phonic wheel (36) includes a second material and a plurality of teeth (156) arranged circumferentially about the axis (28). Each of the teeth (156) projects axially into a respective one of the apertures (58). One of the first material and the second material is or otherwise includes non-ferromagnetic material. Another one of the first material and the second material is or otherwise includes ferromagnetic material.