Waveguide Signal Transmission for Gas Turbine Rotors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transmission methods between rotating components in gas turbine engines, such as sliding electrical contacts and radio systems, are unreliable due to environmental factors like high temperatures and interference from external sources, and require complex wiring installations.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission system utilizing a waveguide cavity centered on the engine axis, which can be part of a structural component or a dedicated waveguide structure, allowing for contactless transmission of signals through rotating choke joints and antennae, minimizing interference and temperature exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding electrical contacts or magnetic/inductive coupling are used for signal transmission between rotating components, then signal transmission is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to high temperatures and hostile environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sliding electrical contacts and magnetic/inductive coupling with a waveguide-based electromagnetic signal transmission system. The waveguide cavity transmits signals through the rotating shaft without mechanical contact, eliminating the reliability issues associated with sliding contacts in high-temperature environments. The waveguide structure allows signals to pass through the rotating mass while being isolated from the hostile thermal environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide cavity acts as an intermediary structure that enables signal transmission between rotating and stationary components without direct contact. The waveguide is embedded within or coupled to the rotating shaft, providing a protected pathway for electromagnetic signals to traverse the rotating interface while being shielded from external environmental factors.
2Reliability
If sliding electrical contacts are used for signal transmission, then signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases due to required electrical wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide system replaces complex electrical wiring with an integrated waveguide structure that is either embedded within the rotating shaft or coupled to it. This eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses running through the engine, significantly reducing installation complexity and the number of electrical connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is merged with the rotating shaft or engine components, combining the signal transmission function with the mechanical structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate wiring systems and reduces the overall complexity of the signal transmission installation.
3Ease of operation
If radio systems are used for signal transmission, then wireless communication is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from external radio sources
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide cavity serves as a controlled intermediary transmission medium that guides electromagnetic signals between rotating and stationary components. Unlike open radio transmission, the waveguide provides a confined pathway that isolates signals from external radio frequency interference, radar, and potentially malicious jamming systems, while still enabling wireless communication within the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide cavity creates an electromagnetically inert environment for signal transmission, shielding the signals from external radio frequency interference. The metallic waveguide structure acts as a Faraday cage, preventing external electromagnetic fields from penetrating and interfering with the transmitted signals.
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
Enables reliable, high-bandwidth, bi-directional communication between rotating and stationary components in gas turbine engines, reducing interference and environmental concerns while eliminating the need for complex wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide cavity which provides signal transmission between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine has a signal transmission system comprising a waveguide 40 which enables the transmission of microwave radio signals between a rotor 24 and stationary receiving electronics 32 of the engine. The waveguide 40 is centered on the engine axis 9.