Retaining Nut With Integrated Oil Scoops for Confined Bearing Lubrication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant supply systems face challenges in providing effective lubrication to aircraft engine components, particularly in confined spaces where direct access is limited, necessitating a more compact and efficient lubrication solution.
Innovation Solution
Integration of radial oil scoops into a retaining nut that secures components in place, allowing oil to be fed radially inwardly through the nut, combining the functions of lubrication and retention, thereby saving space and ensuring efficient lubrication to bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate oil supply components are used, then lubrication function is provided, 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 shaft, while oil scoops are formed on the outer surface of the retaining nut. This merging eliminates the need for separate oil supply components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective lubrication delivery to the bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining nut serves multiple functions: it retains the shaft and bearing assembly together, provides structural support, and simultaneously acts as an oil scoop carrier through its integrated oil scoops. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable lubrication delivery.
2Reliability
If additional oil supply components are used, then lubrication is ensured, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining nut and oil scoops are merged into a single component, eliminating the space required for separate oil supply devices. The oil scoops are formed directly on the outer surface of the retaining nut, utilizing existing structural space rather than adding additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil scoops are nested on the outer surface of the retaining nut, which itself is nested around the shaft. This nested arrangement allows the oil supply function to be embedded within the existing structural hierarchy, minimizing additional space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If direct oil routing is used, then lubrication access is achieved, but access to confined locations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oil scoops act as intermediaries that capture oil from the axial oil supply channel and transfer it to the bearing location. The scoops are positioned on the outer surface of the retaining nut, allowing them to intercept oil flow and deliver it radially inward to the bearing, effectively bridging the gap between axial oil supply and radial bearing lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil supply system transitions from purely axial oil delivery to a two-dimensional approach: oil flows axially through the retaining nut bore, then is redirected radially inward by the scoops to reach the bearing. This dimensional change in oil flow path enables effective lubrication delivery to confined locations.
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 integrated oil scoops provide effective under-race lubrication, simplifying assembly and saving space by eliminating the need for additional oil supply components, while maintaining lubrication efficiency even in high-speed and high-load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first oil scoop defining an oil supply passage extending from a radially outer surface to a radially inner surface of the retaining nut, the oil supply passage fluidly connected to the oil annulus
Implementation Method 2
the threaded portion of the retaining nut threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
a bearing rotatably supporting the shaft, the bearing having an inner race mounted to the shaft
Implementation Method 4
Various parts of gas turbine engines are lubricated using a stream of lubricant fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An oil supply system for an aircraft engine having a rotating shaft comprises a retaining nut including a unitary annular body having an outer surface and an inner surface extending around a central axis between a first end and a second end. The inner surface has a threaded portion at the second end. The threaded portion is configured for threaded engagement with a corresponding threaded portion of the rotating shaft. The outer surface of the unitary annular body includes a series of teeth distributed around the central axis of the retaining nut. The teeth are configured for engagement with a tightening tool. A first tooth of the teeth has a first radial oil scoop formed thereon. The first radial oil scoop defines an oil passage extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the nut at an axial location between the first end and the threaded portion.