Seal Assembly for Rotational Fluid Metering Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine exhaust ducts face inefficiencies in cooling air management due to core pressure gradients at varying operating conditions, leading to suboptimal engine performance and potential damage from high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly for a fan duct metering valve is introduced, featuring a rotational flow balance system with a modulated exhaust cooling ring and hydraulic or electromagnetic actuator, which controls cooling air flow by rotating a fan duct blocker ring to open and close flow paths accurately, combined with a seal assembly that minimizes leakage and ensures precise metering using a seal carrier and housing with a fibroid-like material for reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling air is extracted from the engine to protect components from high temperatures, then component protection is improved, but engine performance deteriorates due to energy penalty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of cooling air flow rate dynamically by rotating the flow balance member to different positions. This allows the system to optimize the balance between component protection (enough cooling) and engine performance (minimal cooling air extraction) under varying operating conditions and core pressure gradients
Solution Approach 2:
The flow balance member can be rotated to different angular positions to dynamically adjust the cooling air flow paths. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to changing operating conditions, opening flow paths when high cooling is needed and closing them when performance is prioritized
2Measurement precision
If a rotational flow balance system is used to control cooling air flow, then flow control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow balance member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow control valve and a seal surface, while the seal assembly provides both sealing and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the rotational mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is integrated directly with the flow balance member, combining the sealing function with the flow control mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining accurate flow metering capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling air flow paths are opened to protect components, then component protection is improved, but engine efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of cooling air by rotating the flow balance member to different positions. This allows optimization of the trade-off between thermal protection (sufficient cooling flow) and engine efficiency (minimal cooling air extraction) under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths are dynamically opened or closed by rotating the flow balance member based on real-time operating conditions. This dynamic control ensures cooling air is only extracted when necessary for component protection, minimizing the impact on engine thrust efficiency
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
This solution effectively manages cooling air flow, optimizing engine performance by reducing energy penalties and protecting components from high temperatures, while maintaining accurate metering and durability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a seal assembly that minimizes leakage and ensures precise metering using a seal carrier and housing with a fibroid-like material for reduced friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal assembly for a fan duct metering valve (30) disposed within a casing (70) of a gas turbine engine includes a tab (38) for extending through an opening (90) in the casing (70) and attaching to the valve (30), and a carrier (65) for extending into the opening (90) and engaging the valve (30) such that fluid does not leak between the valve (30) and the carrier (65).