Turbine Engine Thermal Seal for Compact Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat exchanger designs for aircraft engines are space-constrained, limiting the ability to dissipate increasing heat loads, and their mounting systems are bulky and heavy, posing thermal and weight-related challenges.
Innovation Solution
A thermal seal system that includes a bulb received within a scalloped portion of the surface cooler and a casing, with resilient fingers applying opposing forces to ensure secure sealing and reduce the number of mounting bolts, allowing for a compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If current heat exchanger designs are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but space availability is exhausted and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal seal integrates multiple functions into a single component: sealing the gap between casing and surface cooler, providing electrical conductivity through the gap, and structural support for mounting. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and fasteners, reducing overall weight while maintaining heat dissipation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal seal serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a thermal bridge for heat transfer, an electrical conductor for grounding, a mechanical seal for gap closure, and a mounting support structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the weight and space constraints.
2Temperature
If current heat exchanger designs are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but available space is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal seal combines sealing, electrical conduction, and mounting functions into one integrated component that fits within the existing gap space between the casing and surface cooler. This eliminates the need for additional mounting brackets and fasteners that would consume valuable space, allowing heat dissipation without exhausting available space.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal seal integrates sealing, electrical conduction, and mounting functions into a single component, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and sealing elements. This reduction in component count simplifies the mounting system while maintaining secure attachment through the resilient fingers that provide mechanical fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal seal's resilient fingers automatically provide both sealing and mounting functions when installed, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations. The component self-adjusts to secure the surface cooler to the casing while maintaining the electrical and thermal connection, reducing installation complexity.
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 thermal seal system effectively manages heat dissipation in space-constrained environments, reduces the number of mounting components, and enables quick installation and replacement, while maintaining a sealed boundary and electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal seal comprises resilient fingers abutting the cooler manifold, wherein the fingers are biased to apply opposing forces to the cooler manifold
Implementation Method 2
a thermal seal circumscribing the manifold opening and having a peripheral bead received within the gap
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A turbine engine (16) with a casing (52) including opposing surfaces (48, 58) and a manifold opening (76) passing through the surfaces. A surface cooler (50) is provided adjacent one of the surfaces (48, 58). A cooler manifold (80) passes through the manifold opening (76). A seal (100) is provided between the surface cooler (50) and the casing (52). At least one bolt (103a) is used to secure the surface cooler (50) to the casing (52) with the seal (100) in between.