Aircraft Turbine Module Hub Integration for Compact Variable Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine modules face challenges with increased axial and radial dimensions due to the configuration of electrical power supply cables, which complicates the integration and operation of variable-pitch blades.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine module design incorporating a mechanical speed reducer with a passage for electrical power cable routing, featuring a hydraulic actuator, a fluid supply pump, and an electric machine with a rotor and stator fixed to the longitudinal axis, simplifying the configuration and reducing axial and radial dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an electrical transformer is arranged at the bearing support to supply power to the rotating motor, then electrical power can be supplied to the variable pitch blades, but the axial and radial dimensions of the module increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical transformer, hydraulic pump, and speed reducer into a single integrated assembly mounted on the hub. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate bearing support arrangements, thereby reducing the overall axial and radial dimensions while maintaining all necessary functions including power supply to variable pitch blades
Solution Approach 2:
The hub-mounted assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a speed reducer for the low-pressure shaft, houses the electrical transformer for power supply, contains the hydraulic pump for fluid delivery, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing module dimensions
2Ease of manufacture
If a rotating transformer is arranged at the bearing support to facilitate cable integration, then electrical cable routing is simplified, but the configuration complexity of the module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical transformer with the hub structure and other components into a single integrated assembly. This consolidation simplifies the overall configuration by eliminating separate rotating transformer arrangements at bearing supports, while the transformer still provides straightforward electrical cable connectivity to the variable pitch blades
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical transformer is extracted from the complex bearing support arrangement and repositioned within the hub-mounted assembly. This extraction simplifies the cable routing path and reduces configuration complexity while maintaining the essential function of supplying electrical power to the rotating blades
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a module (3) comprising a device (45) for changing the pitch of the vanes (30) about the pitch axes (C) thereof, the device (45) comprising: a hydraulic actuator (46) capable of rotating about the longitudinal axis (X) and configured to rotate the vanes (30) about their pitch axes (C), a pump (54) for supplying fluid to the hydraulic actuator (46), comprising a transmission shaft (54a) and a shell (54b) placed around the transmission shaft (54a) and rotating as one with the drive shaft (32), and an electric machine (55) comprising a rotor (56) rotating as one with the transmission shaft (54a) and a stator (57) rotationally fixed relative to the longitudinal axis (X), the stator (57) being connected to a power supply cable (62) passing through a passage (38a) provided in the third element (38) of the speed reducing gear (33).