Rotating Oil Distribution System for Vibration-Resistant Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oil distribution systems in geared turbojet engines face challenges with insufficient oil pressure and premature wear due to erratic displacements and misalignments caused by vibrations, affecting the lubrication and cooling of the gearbox.

Innovation Solution

A rotary assembly with an oil distribution system that includes an oil transfer chamber and a rotating part with an oil receiving chamber, connected by a fluidic duct, where the oil distribution system is integrally driven in rotation and allows axial and radial relative displacements, decoupling its movement from the transmission member's vibrations, and using rotary drive devices with dampers to compensate for parasitic movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an oil transfer bearing is used to transfer oil between the crankcase and the gearbox, then oil supply is enabled, but premature wear occurs due to erratic displacements and misalignments caused by vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil supply reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of oil transfer bearing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a fixed oil distribution system (attached to crankcase) and a rotating oil collection system (attached to gearbox), allowing each to be optimized independently for its functional role while minimizing wear through functional separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple oil supply lines act as intermediaries between the fixed oil distribution system and the rotating oil collection system, ensuring continuous oil supply even when relative displacement occurs between the two systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the oil distribution system is rigidly connected to the transmission member, then alignment is maintained, but wear increases due to vibration-induced erratic displacements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidservice life of oil distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The oil distribution system is extracted from the rotating transmission member and reattached to the stationary crankcase, removing it from the vibration environment while maintaining oil supply function through multiple flexible connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system design anticipates vibration-induced displacements by providing multiple oil supply lines with sufficient length and flexibility beforehand, cushioning against misalignment before it causes wear or failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If conventional centrifugal oil circulation is used in the geared turbojet, then oil distribution is simplified, but oil pressure is insufficient for effective lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil circulation system complexityVSAvoidoil pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the dynamic rotation of the gearbox to actively collect and redistribute oil through multiple supply lines, transforming the static centrifugal circulation into a dynamic collection-and-redistribution mechanism that overcomes pressure limitations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple oil supply lines serve dual functions: they distribute oil to various bearing locations and simultaneously accommodate relative displacement between the oil distribution system and transmission member, providing both lubrication and mechanical compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures reliable oil supply, reduces wear, and maintains alignment, thereby increasing the lifespan and efficiency of the rotary assembly by minimizing oil leaks and preventing collisions with external components.

Implementation Method 1

rotary drive devices with dampers to compensate for parasitic movements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

at least one connecting duct fluidically connects the oil transfer chamber and the oil receiving chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3042105B1Rotating assembly comprising a transmission member and an oil distribution system
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP3042105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3042105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3042105B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A rotating assembly comprising a transmission member and an oil distribution system for supplying oil to the transmission member in order to lubricate same. According to the invention, the oil distribution system (50) comprises at least one oil transfer chamber (52) provided with at least one supply port (53) designed to receive oil from the outside of the rotating assembly; the transmission member (3) comprises at least one rotating part (35) provided with at least one oil receiving chamber (37); at least one connecting pipe (70) fluidly connects the oil transfer chamber (52) and the oil receiving chamber (37); the oil distribution system (50) is rigidly connected to said rotating part (35) of the transmission member (3) for rotation therewith; and the rotating assembly is configured so as to allow a given relative axial and/or radial movement between said rotating part (35) of the transmission member (3) and the oil distribution system (50).