Cantilevered tip turbine engine
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A tip turbine engine assembly comprising:
- an axial compressor having a plurality of compressor blades;
a fan downstream of the axial compressor;
an engine support plane defined by an engine support structure;
an engine centerline axis essentially perpendicular to said support plane; and
a fixed shaft coaxial with said engine centerline axis, the fixed shaft having a forward end aft of the plurality compressor blades, said fixed shaft being non-moveable during operation, wherein said fixed shaft is cantilevered from said engine support plane by the engine support structure.
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Abstract
A tip turbine engine (10) according to the present invention includes an engine support structure (12) for cantilevering a load bearing shaft from an engine support plane (P). An engine support structure (12) defines the engine support plane (P), which is perpendicular to an engine centerline (A). The shaft (60) is rotationally fixed, coaxial with the engine centerline (A), and structurally supported by the engine support structure (12) such that a load borne by the shaft (60) is transferred along the engine support plane.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A tip turbine engine assembly comprising:
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an axial compressor having a plurality of compressor blades; a fan downstream of the axial compressor; an engine support plane defined by an engine support structure; an engine centerline axis essentially perpendicular to said support plane; and a fixed shaft coaxial with said engine centerline axis, the fixed shaft having a forward end aft of the plurality compressor blades, said fixed shaft being non-moveable during operation, wherein said fixed shaft is cantilevered from said engine support plane by the engine support structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A tip turbine engine assembly comprising:
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an engine centerline; a fan rotatable by a gear assembly about said engine centerline, said fan comprising a fan blade defining a core airflow passage therein; an engine support structure disposed about said engine centerline defining an engine support plane substantially perpendicular to said engine centerline; and a shaft coaxial with said engine centerline and fixed to said engine support structure such that the shaft is non-moveable during operation of the engine, wherein said shaft is cantilevered from said engine support plane. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A tip turbine engine assembly comprising:
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an engine centerline; an engine outer case structure disposed about said engine centerline; a guide vane portion that extends radially inward from said engine outer case structure; a gearbox housing fixed to said guide vane portion, the gearbox housing enclosing a gear assembly that rotates with an axial compressor; and a shaft coaxial with said engine centerline and fixed to said gearbox housing such that the shaft is non-moveable during operation, wherein said shaft is cantilevered from said gearbox. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification