Segmented Inner Ring Bearing for Uniform Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rolling element bearings for turbine engines, the non-uniform distribution of lubrication oil through the seal plate leads to thermal stresses and distortions due to uneven temperature differentials, as more oil flows into passages closest to the inner ring fluid passages, causing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a split inner ring with radially and axially extending channels and passages that distribute lubrication oil more uniformly across the seal plate, ensuring equal fluid distribution through annular notches and slots, which fluidly couple to both inlet and outlet channels, thereby reducing thermal stress and distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid passages in the seal plate are increased in number to improve lubrication coverage, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but non-uniform oil distribution and thermal stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is divided into multiple segments with individual fluid passages in each segment. Each segment independently directs lubrication oil to corresponding passages in the seal plate, ensuring uniform distribution across all passages rather than concentration in passages closest to the inner ring. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable lubrication through multiple passages while preventing thermal stress through uniform oil distribution.
2Temperature
If lubrication oil flow is increased to improve cooling, then temperature control is improved, but non-uniform temperature differential and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each segment of the inner ring is configured with specific fluid passages tailored to its local position, directing lubrication oil uniformly to corresponding seal plate passages. This ensures that each local region receives appropriate cooling oil flow, maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the seal plate. The local quality approach prevents non-uniform temperature differentials and associated distortion while achieving effective temperature control.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of fluid passages in the seal plate exceeds those in the inner ring, then lubrication coverage is improved, but oil distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented inner ring design enables each segment to serve multiple functions: providing structural support, directing lubrication oil uniformly to corresponding seal plate passages, and ensuring equal oil distribution to all seal plate passages. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both improved lubrication coverage through multiple passages and maintained oil distribution uniformity, resolving the contradiction between quantity and precision.
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 design ensures a uniform distribution of lubrication oil across the seal plate, reducing thermal-induced stresses and distortions, enhancing the operational stability and longevity of the rolling element bearing.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring may include a plurality of fluid passages that direct lubrication oil to a seal plate mounted axially adjacent the inner ring
Data Source
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AI summary
A rolling element bearing includes a plurality of rolling elements, a bearing inner ring and a bearing outer ring. The rolling elements are arranged circumferentially around an axis, and radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner ring includes a plurality of first passages, a second passage and a channel that extends axially into the inner ring. The first passages are arranged circumferentially around the axis. The first passages respectively extend axially through the inner ring from a plurality of first passage inlets to the channel. The second passage includes a second passage inlet that is substantially axially aligned with one of the first passage inlets. The second passage extends radially through the inner ring to a second passage outlet.