Nested T-Bushing Isolator Assembly for Gas Turbine Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft components, such as those in gas turbine engines, face damage and performance degradation due to vibrational loads, and existing mounting hardware is often bulky and complex, especially in space-constrained applications.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolating bushing assembly comprising a first and second T-bushing with annular cylindrical structures, isolating washers made of wire mesh material, and a bushing retainer cup, which attenuates vibrational loads by compressing flexible washers between the T-bushings, preventing over-compression and allowing tuning for optimal load attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vibration isolator assemblies are used to mitigate vibrational loads, then component performance and operating life are improved, but the mounting hardware becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second T-bushing inside the first T-bushing, with the isolating washers positioned between them. This nested configuration allows multiple functional elements (vibration isolation, structural support, fastening) to be integrated within a compact space, reducing overall assembly bulk while maintaining vibration mitigation capabilities that extend component operating life
2Reliability
If vibration isolator assemblies are used to mitigate vibrational loads, then component performance and operating life are improved, but the mounting hardware becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the second T-bushing within the first T-bushing, combined with the compact isolating washer design, significantly reduces the volumetric footprint of the vibration isolator assembly while preserving the vibration isolation function that protects components from fatigue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The isolating washers are constructed from flexible wire mesh material that provides effective vibration isolation in a thin, compact form. This flexible mesh structure achieves the required vibration mitigation without adding substantial volume to the mounting hardware
3Reliability
If isolating washers are compressed between T-bushings to attenuate vibrational loads, then vibration isolation performance is improved, but the risk of over-compression increases
Solution Approach 1:
The T-bushings are pre-configured with specific geometric features (flanges, cylindrical structures) that establish predetermined compression limits for the isolating washers during assembly. This preliminary structural design prevents over-compression by physically constraining the maximum compression force, thereby protecting the flexible wire mesh washers from structural damage while maintaining effective vibration attenuation
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 reduces vibrational loads on gas turbine engine components, inhibiting fatigue and extending operational life by providing a compact and efficient vibration isolation mechanism suitable for high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
vibration isolating bushing assembly comprising a first T-bushing configured to receive a fastener, a second T-bushing configured to couple to the first T-bushing and the fastener, a first isolating washer, and a second isolating washer, wherein the first isolating washer and the second isolating washer are configured to couple between the first T-bushing and the second T-bushing
Implementation Method 2
which attenuates vibrational loads by compressing flexible washers between the T-bushings
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolating bushing assembly may comprise a first T-bushing configured to receive a fastener, a second T-bushing configured to couple to the first T-bushing and the fastener, a first isolating washer, and a second isolating washer, wherein the first isolating washer and the second isolating washer are configured to couple between the first T-bushing and the second T-bushing.