Turbine Engine Case Waveguide Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines face issues with signal communication due to the complexity and space requirements of traditional wiring harnesses, which can lead to improper connections and reduced functionality.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a waveguide channel within the turbine engine case, allowing for signal communication between transceivers through a monolithic waveguide structure, reducing the need for wire connectors and freeing up space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional wiring harness with wire connectors is used for signal communication, then signal paths between electronic components can be established, but the system complexity increases and valuable peripheral space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal communication reliabilityVSAvoidwiring harness complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is integrated directly into the turbine engine case structure, merging the signal transmission function with the structural component. This eliminates the separate wiring harness and wire connectors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable signal communication between transceivers through the waveguide channel formed in the case wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire connector system with an electromagnetic waveguide system. Instead of using physical wire connections that require precise mechanical mating, the invention uses electromagnetic waves propagating through the waveguide channel, which is formed as an integral part of the engine case, thereby eliminating connector-related reliability issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a traditional wiring harness with multiple wire connectors is used, then signal communication between electronic components is achieved, but valuable peripheral space about the gas turbine engine is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal communication reliabilityVSAvoidperipheral space availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is integrated directly into the turbine engine case structure, merging the signal transmission function with the structural component. This eliminates the separate wiring harness and wire connectors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable signal communication between transceivers through the waveguide channel formed in the case wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If wire connectors are used for connecting wires to electronic components, then signal paths can be established, but improper connection may occur leading to malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire connector system with an electromagnetic waveguide system. Instead of using physical wire connections that require precise mechanical mating, the invention uses electromagnetic waves propagating through the waveguide channel, which is formed as an integral part of the engine case, thereby eliminating connector-related reliability issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide structure provides self-aligning and self-mating capabilities through its integral formation with the engine case. The transceivers automatically interface with the waveguide channel without requiring manual connector assembly, eliminating human error in connection processes and ensuring consistent, reliable signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution simplifies the communication system, reduces complexity and weight, and provides mistake-proofing during manufacturing and repair, while increasing reliability and reducing costs by eliminating the need for wire connectors and freeing up space for other components.

Implementation Method 1

The waveguide includes a waveguide channel. The second transceiver is configured to be in signal communication with the first transceiver through the waveguide channel.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentUS11441451B2Turbine engine component with integrated waveguide

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 RTX CORP

AI summary

An assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This turbine engine assembly includes a turbine engine case, a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The turbine engine case includes a case wall and a waveguide. The waveguide is formed integral with the case wall. The waveguide includes a waveguide channel. The second transceiver is configured to be in signal communication with the first transceiver through the waveguide channel.