Wave Guide Assembly Integrating Fluid Passages in Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wire harness systems in gas turbine engines are cumbersome due to numerous wires and shielding, leading to weight and structural challenges in supporting and securing the wire harness, which affects engine performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A wave guide assembly with a tubular housing and flared end fittings, featuring a rectangular wave guide passage and dual fluid passages, allows for efficient communication and fluid distribution, reducing the need for individual wires and shielding by using a single wave guide passageway for multiple frequencies and fluid paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire harness systems with multiple wires and shielding are used for communication and power, then reliable transmission and redundancy are achieved, but weight and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions (communication signals, power supply, fluid delivery) into a single integrated waveguide structure. The waveguide housing contains both electromagnetic wave propagation passages and fluid passages, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses and fluid conduits. This merging directly reduces weight while maintaining communication reliability through the waveguide's inherent shielding properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits electromagnetic waves for communication, conducts fluid for cooling or lubrication, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality replaces traditional separate systems (wire harnesses, fluid lines, structural elements), reducing overall weight and complexity while maintaining all necessary functions including communication reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual wires with shielding are bundled together, then communication and power requirements are met, but challenges in supporting and securing the wire harness arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication channels and power lines into a single waveguide structure that propagates electromagnetic waves. The waveguide housing provides inherent shielding, eliminating the need for individual wire shielding and complex bundling arrangements. This simplifies the structural support requirements while maintaining full communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire harness system with an electromagnetic wave propagation system. Instead of using physical wires that require mechanical support and securing, the waveguide transmits communication signals through electromagnetic waves, eliminating the need for complex mechanical support structures while maintaining communication versatility.
3Reliability
If dual wires are routed to each device for redundancy, then failure protection is achieved, but the number of wires and accompanying weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication channels within the single waveguide structure, where different electromagnetic modes or frequency channels can provide redundant communication paths. This eliminates the need for separate dual wire routing while maintaining failure protection capabilities, as the waveguide's inherent shielding protects all channels simultaneously.
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 communication and fluid distribution within the gas turbine engine, reducing complexity and weight, enhancing durability and performance by providing a compact transmission path for wave form signals and fluid, thereby improving engine reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A wave guide assembly with a tubular housing and flared end fittings, featuring a rectangular wave guide passage
Data Source
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AI summary
A wave guide assembly (74) for a control and diagnostic system (62) for a machine, the wave guide assembly (74) includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity (124) extending between distal ends. A wave guide (130,158,58,88) is defined within the internal cavity (124). At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavity (124) providing a space for routing conductors (168,170,172) through the housing. A fluid passage (90A) is defined within the internal cavity (124) separate from the wave guide (130,158,58,88). A control and diagnostic system (62) for a machine and a gas turbine engine (20) are also disclosed.