Sliding Bearing Pivot Structure for Lower Mass and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivots in epicyclic gear trains contribute significantly to the total mass of the gear train, which is not optimal for turbine engines, and there is a need to reduce mass while maintaining mechanical rigidity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The pivot design incorporates recesses, such as holes, in the annular grooves of the annular wall, which reduces the mass by distributing them around the axial passage and can be inclined to accommodate lubricating oil passages, thereby reducing mechanical stresses and maintaining rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pivot is made with a massive structure to ensure mechanical rigidity, then the strength and rigidity are improved, but the weight of the pivot increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot is segmented by creating recesses (holes) in the annular grooves, dividing the massive structure into a more open configuration. This segmentation removes unnecessary material while preserving the structural integrity needed for mechanical rigidity, thereby reducing weight without sacrificing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot incorporates a porous structure through the recesses formed in the annular grooves. This porous configuration reduces the overall mass of the pivot while maintaining sufficient mechanical rigidity for its function in the epicyclic gear train.
2Weight of moving object
If recesses are added to reduce mass, then the weight is reduced, but the mechanical rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are strategically positioned in specific locations within the annular grooves where material can be removed without critically affecting the overall mechanical rigidity. This local modification approach allows mass reduction while preserving the structural strength needed for proper function.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than removing excessive material that would compromise strength, the invention applies partial action by forming recesses of controlled size and distribution. This partial material removal achieves sufficient mass reduction while maintaining the mechanical rigidity required for the pivot's function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pivot structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to maintain mechanical properties may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the pivot by introducing recesses with specific dimensions and distributions. These parameter modifications enable mass reduction while maintaining mechanical rigidity, and the recesses can be formed using standard drilling or machining operations that do not significantly complicate manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pivot (58) for a sliding bearing of an epicyclic train, comprising an annular wall (50) defining an axial passage (51) and comprising a first (52c) and a second (54c) annular groove opening axially in opposite directions (L1, L2) and each defined by two coaxial inner (52a, 54a) and outer (52b, 54b) annular branches formed at the axial ends of the annular wall (50). According to the invention, the recesses (60) are made in at least one bottom wall (52d, 54d) of one of the annular grooves (52c, 54c).