Reconfigurable Lubrication System for Gas Turbine Orientations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine assemblies require a lubrication system that can adapt to different orientations without needing multiple gearbox housings, as various configurations affect the operation of sumps, pumps, and distribution lines, necessitating selection from multiple gearboxes stored in inventory.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable lubrication system with a pump, first and second sumps, and a manifold, where the manifold includes a configuration plate to fluidly couple the pump line with either the first-sump line or the second-sump line, and a plenum with apertures, allowing fluid communication to be blocked by a plug, enabling the system to function in different orientations using a common housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single gearbox housing is used in multiple orientations, then device complexity is reduced and inventory is simplified, but the lubrication system must accommodate varying gravitational effects on oil collection and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into modular components: multiple sumps (first sump, second sump) positioned at different locations within the housing, with selective fluid communication pathways. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different orientations by activating only the relevant sump and pathway for each configuration, resolving the contradiction between using a single housing and accommodating multiple orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities through movable or selectable fluid pathways between the pump and different sumps. The lubrication system can dynamically reconfigure which sump receives oil from the pump based on the gearbox orientation, enabling a single housing to function correctly in multiple orientations without requiring separate housing designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sumps and fluid pathways are integrated into a single housing, then the system can function in multiple orientations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single gearbox housing integrates multiple sumps and fluid pathways that serve universal functions across different orientations. The first sump and second sump, along with their respective fluid pathways, are designed to be selectively activated based on orientation, allowing one housing structure to universally accommodate multiple operational configurations without requiring separate specialized housings for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system employs a nested structure where multiple sumps are integrated within the single housing volume, with selective fluid communication pathways that can be activated or deactivated based on orientation. This nesting approach allows the system to pack multiple orientation-specific lubrication circuits into a single housing, reducing the need for multiple separate housings while maintaining orientation-specific functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration plates and plugs are used to control fluid communication, then the system can be reconfigured for different orientations, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration plates and plugs are pre-positioned or pre-configured during assembly to establish the correct fluid pathways for specific orientations before the gearbox enters service. This preliminary configuration allows the lubrication system to be ready for its intended orientation from the start, simplifying both the manufacturing process (as the configuration is set once during assembly) and the operational reliability (as the correct pathways are pre-established).
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
Enables the use of a single gearbox housing in multiple orientations, reducing product complexity and cost by allowing the same gearbox to be used in various configurations, with the only differences being the plenum pad and orientable plug, facilitating efficient lubrication of gear sets through gravity-fed oil collection and pressurization.
Implementation Method 1
a first sump located within a housing and configured to collect oil moved into the first sump by way of gravitational force when the housing is arranged in a first orientation
Implementation Method 2
a second sump located within the housing and configured to collect oil moved into the second sump by way of gravitational force when the housing is arranged in a second orientation
Implementation Method 3
a pump adapted to pressurize oil
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine assembly and a method for assembling a gas turbine engine assembly are disclosed herein. The gas turbine engine assembly includes an engine core and a gearbox. The gearbox includes a lubrication system having a first sump and a second sump. The lubrication system is configurable to provide oil from either of the first and second sumps in various configurations of the gas turbine engine assembly.