Seal Runner Deflection Control With Integrated Catcher Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engine seals face deflection issues due to the weight added by deflectors, which can disrupt the sealing efficiency and maintain oil pressure within bearing compartments.

Innovation Solution

A catcher mechanism, integrally formed with a stack spacer, contacts a seal runner to restrict deflection, and fluid flow through orifices enhances cooling and directs fluid into the bearing compartment, maintaining seal runner stability and oil pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a deflector is added to the seal runner to redirect fluid flow, then fluid flow control is improved, but the weight of the seal runner increases causing deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidseal runner weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The catcher acts as a counterbalancing support structure that compensates for the weight-induced deflection of the seal runner. By providing an opposing force through the catcher mechanism, the system offsets the detrimental deflection caused by the added weight of the deflector, allowing the deflector to perform its fluid redirection function without compromising seal runner stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the seal runner deflects due to weight, then sealing contact is disrupted, but adding support structures increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing contact stabilityVSAvoidseal runner support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catcher is integrated with the existing stack spacer structure in the engine, merging the support function into an existing component rather than adding a separate independent structure. This integration provides the necessary support to prevent seal runner deflection while minimizing additional device complexity by utilizing the available structural framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If fluid flow is increased for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but fluid pressure control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidfluid pressure control

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different flow rates to different locations: higher fluid flow is directed through the catcher to the bearing compartment for enhanced cooling, while the seal interface receives controlled flow through the deflector. This local differentiation allows optimized cooling effectiveness in the bearing compartment while maintaining proper pressure control at the seal interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 catcher mechanism effectively minimizes deflection of the seal runner, maintains consistent sealing, and enhances cooling, ensuring reliable oil pressure and compartment sealing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a catcher in contact with the seal runner to minimize deflection of the seal runner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

fluid flow through orifices enhances cooling and directs fluid into the bearing compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

a seal configured to cooperate with the seal runner to seal the bearing compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11286990B2Seal runner with deflector and catcher for gas turbine engine

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 RTX CORP

AI summary

A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a bearing compartment, a seal runner, a seal configured to cooperate with the seal runner to seal the bearing compartment, and a catcher in contact with the seal runner to minimize deflection of the seal runner. A method is also disclosed.