Retaining Nut Oil Scoop for Under-Race Bearing Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant supply systems face challenges in accessing and effectively lubricating components in confined spaces within aircraft engines, particularly under-race lubrication of bearings, due to limited axial access and crowded component arrangements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an oil scoop system within a retaining nut that captures lubricant and delivers it radially inwardly to bearings, combining the functions of a retaining nut and oil scoop into a single component to save space and ensure efficient lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate oil scoop system is used to deliver lubricant to bearings, then effective under-race lubrication is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retaining nut and oil scoop into a single integrated component. The retaining nut includes an axial bore that receives the oil scoop, with the oil scoop positioned to capture lubricant from the oil supply channel and deliver it to the bearing's under-race area. This integration eliminates the need for separate oil scoop components while maintaining effective lubrication delivery in the confined bearing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining nut serves dual functions: it secures the bearing assembly to the shaft and simultaneously houses the oil scoop mechanism for lubricant delivery. The axial bore of the retaining nut acts as both a structural element for mounting and a conduit for oil delivery, allowing one component to perform multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional lubricant supply methods are used with limited axial access, then installation is simplified, but effective delivery of lubricant to bearing surfaces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The oil scoop is positioned radially outward from the axial oil supply channel, creating a radial oil delivery path. The scoop captures oil from the axial flow and redirects it radially inward to the bearing's under-race area, utilizing a different spatial dimension (radial vs. axial) to overcome the limited axial access problem while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are used for retaining and oil delivery, then maintenance is easier, but space utilization in confined engine areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining nut and oil scoop are merged into a single integrally formed component, reducing the number of parts and the space they occupy in the confined engine area. The integrated design eliminates gaps and interfaces between separate components, optimizing space utilization while the retaining nut remains accessible for maintenance operations.
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
Provides effective under-race lubrication in tight engine spaces by integrating oil scoops with the retaining nut, ensuring proper lubrication of bearings while optimizing space utilization and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the oil supply passage fluidly connected to the oil annulus
Data Source
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AI summary
An oil supply system for an aircraft engine (10) having a rotating shaft (24) comprises a retaining nut (36) including a unitary annular body having an outer surface (38) and an inner surface (40) extending around a central axis (A) between a first end (42) and a second end (44). The inner surface (40) has a threaded portion (46) at the second end (44). The threaded portion (46) is configured for threaded engagement with a corresponding threaded portion (47) of the rotating shaft (24). The outer surface (38) of the unitary annular body includes a series of teeth (48) distributed around the central axis of the retaining nut (36). The teeth (48) are configured for engagement with a tightening tool. A first tooth (48a) of the teeth (48) has a first radial oil scoop (50a) formed thereon. The first radial oil scoop (50a) defines an oil passage (52) extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the nut (36) at an axial location between the first end (42) and the threaded portion (46).