Rotating Airfoil Assembly With Tuned 1P Vibration Absorber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotating airfoils in aircraft engines experience differential loading (1P loading) due to angled rotation, leading to cyclic loads and fatigue stresses, particularly during takeoff and climb, which can cause vibration and structural strain.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a vibration absorber within the rotating airfoil assembly, tuned to resonate at the 1P excitation frequency, reducing dynamic amplification and fatigue by absorbing vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the rotating airfoil operates at angled rotation during takeoff and climb, then thrust production is improved, but cyclic loading and fatigue stresses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust productionVSAvoidfatigue resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies vibration absorption technology by incorporating a vibration absorber that resonates at the 1P excitation frequency to counteract cyclic loading. The absorber generates opposite phase vibrations that cancel out the harmful cyclic stresses caused by asymmetric loading during angled rotation, thereby maintaining thrust production while reducing fatigue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful 1P excitation frequency into a beneficial effect by tuning the vibration absorber to resonate at this frequency. The absorber uses the excitation frequency itself to generate counter-vibrations that cancel the cyclic loading, transforming the harmful resonant frequency into a useful control mechanism for reducing fatigue stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the rotating airfoil is designed to withstand high cyclic loads, then fatigue resistance is improved, but weight and component size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefatigue resistanceVSAvoidairfoil weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vibration absorber as an intermediary component that mediates between the cyclic loading and the airfoil structure. The absorber absorbs and dissipates the cyclic energy through controlled vibrations, protecting the airfoil structure from direct exposure to high cyclic loads. This allows the airfoil to be designed with reduced weight while maintaining fatigue resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Weight of moving object

If the rotating airfoil uses lighter materials, then weight is reduced, but strength and durability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairfoil weightVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-installing a vibration absorber that is tuned to counteract cyclic loading before it causes damage. The absorber continuously dampens vibrations and reduces cyclic stresses on the airfoil structure, allowing lighter materials to be used without compromising structural strength or durability. The cushioning effect prevents fatigue accumulation that would otherwise require heavier reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 vibration absorber effectively mitigates 1P loads, allowing for lighter materials and reduced component sizes while maintaining aerodynamic performance without requiring maintenance, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of the airfoil.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporation of a vibration absorber within the rotating airfoil assembly, tuned to resonate at the 1P excitation frequency, reducing dynamic amplification and fatigue by absorbing vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

vibration absorber within the rotating airfoil assembly, tuned to resonate at the 1P excitation frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12522344B2Rotating airfoil assembly

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A rotating airfoil including a body and a vibration absorber located within the body. The body has a root end and a tip. The rotating airfoil has a natural frequency, and the vibration absorber has a natural frequency. The natural frequency of the vibration absorber is different than the natural frequency of the rotating airfoil.