Thrust Rod Lubricant Fill Path for Inter-Flow Tank Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accessibility of lubricant tanks in the inter-flow compartment of dual flow turbomachines is difficult due to their high density in a restricted space, making filling operations challenging.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant supply path is fluidly interconnected to the tank and passes through the hollow internal zone of the thrust load pick-up rods, allowing for easier filling from a distance without significant design changes, utilizing existing rods for this purpose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the lubricant tank is placed in the inter-flow compartment to optimize space utilization, then the quantity of equipment accommodated is improved, but the accessibility for filling operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the filling access from the confined inter-flow compartment space to the external environment by routing a supply path through the thrust load pick-up rod. This dimensional extension allows operators to fill tanks located deep within the engine assembly from accessible external points, effectively bypassing the accessibility constraints of the compact inter-flow compartment environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust load pick-up rod serves as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the externally accessible filling point and the internally located lubricant tank. By routing the supply path through this existing structural component, the invention enables filling operations without requiring direct access to the tank's original location in the densely packed inter-flow compartment.
2Ease of operation
If the thrust load pick-up rod is used as a supply path for lubricant filling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust load pick-up rod is designed to serve dual functions: its primary mechanical function of supporting and positioning the turbine engine, and its secondary function as a fluid supply conduit for lubricant filling. By making the rod multi-functional, the invention avoids adding separate dedicated filling structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing thrust load pick-up rod structure serves its own structural purpose while simultaneously providing the filling pathway function. The rod's hollow internal geometry, already necessary for its mechanical function, is utilized to route the lubricant supply path, allowing the component to serve itself for multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated elements.
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
Facilitates the filling of lubricant tanks by providing a convenient and efficient means to inject lubricant through the rods, reducing operational complexity and improving accessibility without altering existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
A lubricant supply path fluidly interconnected to the tank, said path passing through a hollow internal zone of at least one of both thrust load pick-up rods
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft engine assembly includes a dual-flow turbine engine, a pylon for mounting the turbine engine, thrust-absorbing rods connecting the turbine engine to the pylon, and an inter-flow compartment housing a lubricant tank. In order to facilitate the filling of the tank, a lubricant supply path is fluidly connected to the tank, this path passing through an inner hollow region of at least one of the two thrust-absorbing rods.