Spring-Finger Expansion Joint for Jet Engine Pipe Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jet engine components face damage and reduced operational longevity due to loading conditions from thermal, pressure, and dynamic changes, which existing expansion joints fail to adequately address, leading to weakened structures and reduced aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A jet engine expansion joint system featuring a pipe with a collar having spring fingers that engage with engine hardware, allowing axial, rotational, and pivotal movement, and incorporating a sealing O-ring to prevent leakage, which minimizes loading effects and enhances component longevity without requiring separate attachment protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional rigid joints are used to connect pipes in jet engine air systems, then structural strength is maintained, but the system cannot accommodate thermal expansion and dynamic loading, leading to increased stress and reduced component longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing an expansion joint with a flexible bellows section that can dynamically adapt to thermal expansion and dynamic loading conditions. The bellows structure allows controlled deformation and movement, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic one that accommodates dimensional changes while maintaining structural integrity under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion joint utilizes parameter changes by allowing the bellows section to change its geometric parameters (length, volume, shape) in response to thermal and pressure variations. This enables the joint to absorb expansion forces and maintain connection strength despite changes in operating parameters such as temperature and pressure
2Adaptability or versatility
If expansion joints with separate attachment protocols are used, then flexibility and accommodation of thermal loading are improved, but device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the attachment mechanism directly into the expansion joint structure. The engagement structures (such as lugs, flanges, or coupling mechanisms) are combined with the bellows section, eliminating the need for separate attachment protocols and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion joint design incorporates multi-functional engagement structures that serve both as structural connectors and as mechanisms for accommodating movement. These universal features allow the same component to perform multiple functions: structural support, thermal expansion accommodation, and simplified installation through standardized engagement interfaces
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid pipe connections are used, then manufacturing precision and alignment are easier to achieve, but the system cannot accommodate relative motion between moving parts, leading to increased loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion joint transforms the rigid alignment requirement into a dynamic connection that can accommodate misalignment and relative motion. The bellows structure provides inherent alignment tolerance while maintaining sealed connection, reducing the strict manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid joints
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 expansion joint system reduces part count, facilitates easier installation and removal, and enhances operational longevity by accommodating loading conditions, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a first engagement structure including a plurality of spring fingers configured to be coupled with the second engagement structure of the engine hardware
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion joint for a jet engine, the expansion joint including a pipe defining a proximal end having a first engagement structure, wherein the pipe is part of an air system of the jet engine; and an engine hardware coupled with the proximal end of the pipe, the engine hardware having a second engagement structure engaged with the first engagement structure to couple the pipe and engine hardware relative to one another, wherein one of the first and second engagement structures comprises one or more spring fingers, and wherein the other of the first and second engagement structures comprises a ridge extending along a circumferential direction of such engagement structure.