Turbine Lubrication Pump Driven by Shaft Speed Difference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines face challenges in lubricating reduction gears, especially when the engine is stopped, as existing solutions complicate the architecture and increase weight due to the need for a standby pump, which is not compact or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication unit with a pump that utilizes the difference in rotational speeds between the drive shaft and fan shaft to actuate lubrication, allowing the pump to operate even when the engine is stopped, and is integrated within the reduction gear, making it compact and efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standby pump is added to lubricate the reduction gear when the engine is stopped, then the reliability of lubrication is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lubrication pump function directly into the reduction gear assembly. The pump is integrated within the reduction gear housing, sharing the same structural space and lubrication system, thereby eliminating the need for a separate standby pump while ensuring continuous lubrication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction gear assembly serves itself by incorporating the lubrication pump within its own structure. The pump is powered by the reduction gear's rotational motion, allowing the system to self-lubricate without requiring external power sources or additional standby pumping systems
2Reliability
If a standby pump with power take-off is installed on the fan or power supply circuit, then the lubrication function is improved, but the overall size and mass of the engine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is combined with the reduction gear assembly, utilizing the same housing and lubrication infrastructure. This integration eliminates the need for separate power take-off systems on the fan or power supply circuit, thereby avoiding additional weight while maintaining continuous lubrication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump is driven by the rotational motion of the reduction gear itself, requiring no external power source. This self-powered mechanism avoids the weight penalty of additional motors, power circuits, or fan-mounted power take-off systems
3Volume of moving object
If the pump is integrated within the reduction gear, then the compactness is improved, but the space for pump installation is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is nested within the existing reduction gear housing and lubrication system. The pump components are arranged concentrically and radially within the available space of the reduction gear assembly, maximizing space utilization while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining operations
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 ensures continuous lubrication of the reduction gear, reducing the risk of breakdown and maintaining operational safety by utilizing the existing rotational speed difference between the shafts, requiring minimal additional power and space.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (30) which comprises a casing (44) inside of which a rotor (42) is mounted and driven by one of the shafts (3, 4), the pump casing (44) being rotated by the other of the shafts (3, 4) such that the actuation of the pump (30) depends on the difference between rotational speeds of the shafts (3, 4)
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine includes two rotary shafts and a lubrication unit. The lubrication unit has at least one pump which a casing inside of which a rotor is mounted and driven by one of the rotary shafts. The pump casing is rotated by the other rotary shaft such that the actuation of the pump depends on the difference between rotational speeds of the shafts. The shafts are a drive shaft and a fan shaft, respectively, wherein the fan shaft is driven by the drive shaft by means of a reduction gear which is lubricated by the lubrication unit. The reduction gear is annular and the pump passes axially therethrough.