Radial Fuel Distribution Device for Gas Turbine Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face difficulties in the installation and replacement of fuel distribution tubes due to complex tangles, especially when separate fuel main and pilot circuits are involved, making it challenging, particularly in smaller engines.
Innovation Solution
A fuel distribution device with a centralized axis and radially arranged outlet branches, allowing for axial alignment and easy mounting to a cover plate, along with a method of mounting where fuel tubes are aligned with receiving elements and fixed in an axial direction, simplifying the installation and replacement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fuel distribution tubes are used with separate fuel main and pilot circuits, then the fuel distribution function is achieved, but the installation and replacement become difficult due to tube tangles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel main circuit and fuel pilot circuit into a single integrated fuel distribution device with a common body housing. Multiple fuel cartridges (including both main and pilot circuits) are mounted on the same cover plate and connected to a unified distribution system, eliminating the need for separate tube arrangements and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel distribution device is segmented into distinct functional components: a common body housing containing the distribution path, a cover plate for mounting fuel cartridges, and individual outlet branches for each fuel cartridge. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and easier replacement of individual components without affecting the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuel cartridges are mounted on a cover plate with separate circuits, then complete fuel distribution is achieved, but the device size increases and becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The common body housing serves multiple functions: it houses the distribution path for both fuel main and pilot circuits, provides mounting support for multiple fuel cartridges, and integrates the inlet connections. This multi-functional design reduces the overall device volume while maintaining complete fuel distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution path is nested within the common body housing, with inlet and outlet branches arranged in a compact radial pattern. The fuel cartridges are mounted on the cover plate that encloses the distribution space, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization and achieves a compact overall structure.
3Volume of moving object
If radial outlet branches are used in a common distribution space, then the device becomes more compact, but the mounting alignment becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel distribution device is designed with pre-defined mounting holes and receiving elements that establish the correct alignment before final assembly. The cover plate is pre-configured with receiving elements positioned to match the radial outlet branches, ensuring proper alignment is achieved automatically during the mounting process without requiring high-precision manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arrangement of outlet branches creates an asymmetric pattern that is optimized for compactness. The asymmetric positioning of mounting holes and receiving elements corresponds to the specific radial orientations of the outlet branches, ensuring that the asymmetric design serves both compactness and alignment requirements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel distribution device is provided wherein an axis is defined. The device comprises a body housing a distribution path for fuel; the distribution path has one inlet and a plurality of outlets; the inlet is located on the external surface of the body at an end of an inlet branch of the distribution path; the plurality of outlets are located on the external surface of the body at ends of a corresponding plurality of outlet branches of the distribution path; the inlet branch and the outlet branches are fluidly connected to a distribution space; and the outlet branches are arranged radially.