Splined Coupling Seal Groove Insert for Wear-Resistant Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing groove cutting devices in aircraft turbomachines suffer from wear of the annular joint due to relative axial and angular displacement, leading to a loss of sealing and lubrication deficit, which can result in damage to the grooves.
Innovation Solution
A groove cutting device with an annular insert that forms the reception throat for the annular seal, featuring a bottom annular wall and transverse walls that support the insert within the external grooves, preventing wear and maintaining the seal, and includes a lubrication oil level reservoir with an annular seal that cooperates with a cylindrical surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the annular seal is directly received in a groove formed within the external splines of the male component, then the device structure is simple, but the annular seal suffers from wear due to relative axial and angular displacement, leading to loss of sealing and lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure is segmented into two parts: a fixed annular groove formed in the external splines and a separate movable annular insert that receives the seal. This segmentation allows the insert to move independently with the splines while the fixed groove maintains structural stability, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular insert acts as an intermediary element between the fixed groove and the annular seal. It absorbs the relative axial and angular displacement through its movable nature, protecting the seal from direct wear while maintaining the sealing function. The insert transfers the harmful motion between splines away from the seal.
2Ease of manufacture
If the groove is formed directly in the external splines, then manufacturing is simpler, but the seal experiences wear and lubrication deficiency causing potential damage to the grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The groove system is divided into a fixed annular groove (easy to manufacture in the male component) and a separate movable annular insert. This segmentation allows the fixed groove to be manufactured simply while the insert provides the protective function against wear and lubrication loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular insert serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact and wear between the seal and the grooves. It maintains lubrication by moving with the splines, eliminating the harmful effects of friction and heat on the groove structure.
3Reliability
If a lip seal is installed on the side with internal splines, then misalignment susceptibility is reduced, but the seal bends and risks damage during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The annular insert acts as a mediator between the internal splines and the annular seal, providing a stable mounting surface that reduces misalignment. The insert's movable nature allows it to accommodate displacement while keeping the seal in a stable position, preventing bending during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal configuration changes from a lip seal subjected to bending stresses to an annular seal mounted on a movable insert. This parameter change in seal type and mounting method eliminates the bending issue during assembly while maintaining misalignment resistance through the insert's movement capability.
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 solution effectively prevents wear of the annular joint, ensuring long-term sealing and lubrication, thereby enhancing the longevity and reliability of the turbomachine components.
Implementation Method 1
an annular seal which is received in an annular seal receiving groove carried by the male component and which cooperates with an internal cylindrical surface of the female component
Implementation Method 2
a lubrication oil level retention system circulating through said complementary splines
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a splined coupling device (89) of two aircraft turbomachine components (68a, 86), of which a male component (68a) having external splines (90) engaged in a female component (86) having complementary internal splines (88), said device (89) further comprising a lubrication oil retention system comprising an annular seal (106) which is received in an annular receiving groove (102) carried by the male component (68a) and which cooperates with the female component, characterized in that said annular receiving groove (102) of the seal is formed in an annular insert (114) brought into the external splines (90) of the male component (68a).