Integrated Stack Nut Phonic Wheel for Accurate Turbine Speed Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for gas turbine engines, particularly those using phonic wheels, face limitations in accurately measuring rotational velocity and efficiently managing lubricant distribution, leading to potential lubricant churning and reduced accuracy due to windage effects.
Innovation Solution
A turbine engine assembly that integrates a stack nut with a castellated periphery and a phonic wheel, where the stack nut includes a lubricant scoop and passages to manage lubricant distribution, and a sensor system that measures fluctuations in the magnetic field induced by the phonic wheel to determine rotational velocity, reducing windage impact and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate phonic wheel is used for rotational velocity measurement, then measurement functionality is provided, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the phonic wheel functionality directly into the stack nut by adding a castellated periphery to the nut itself. This merging of the measurement function into an existing component eliminates the need for a separate phonic wheel, reducing part count while maintaining rotational velocity measurement capability through magnetic field fluctuations detected by the sensor
2Measurement precision
If a separate phonic wheel is used, then rotational velocity measurement is enabled, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the phonic wheel's castellated periphery with the stack nut, the patent eliminates the need for additional space that would be required for a separate phonic wheel component. The measurement function is achieved within the existing spatial envelope of the stack nut assembly
3Reliability
If traditional lubricant distribution is used without integration, then lubrication is provided, but lubricant churning and windage effects reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lubricant distribution function with the phonic wheel structure by integrating lubricant passages and a scoop into the stack nut. This integration allows lubricant to be delivered directly to bearing surfaces without creating windage effects that would interfere with the magnetic field sensor's ability to accurately measure rotational velocity
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for different functions, then functionality is provided, but overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fastening, rotational velocity measurement, and lubricant distribution) into a single integrated stack nut component. This eliminates the weight of separate phonic wheel and lubricant delivery components while maintaining all required functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The stack nut is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical fastening, rotational velocity measurement through its castellated periphery, and lubricant distribution through integrated passages and scoop, thereby reducing overall system weight
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 enhances rotational velocity measurement accuracy, reduces lubricant churning, and improves lubricant delivery efficiency by integrating the phonic wheel with the stack nut, thereby reducing part count, space requirements, and overall weight while maintaining precise rotational velocity determination.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to measure fluctuations in a magnetic field induced by the castellated periphery during rotation of the rotating assembly about the axis
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This turbine engine assembly includes a rotating assembly and a sensor. The rotating assembly is configured to rotate about an axis. The rotating assembly includes an engine shaft and a stack nut threaded onto the engine shaft. The stack nut includes a castellated periphery. The sensor is configured to measure fluctuations in a magnetic field induced by the castellated periphery during rotation of the rotating assembly about the axis.