Systems and methods involving multiple torque paths for gas turbine engines
First Claim
1. A method for reducing overspeed potential of a turbine of a gas turbine engine, comprising:
- providing a first load associated with a compressor to the turbine via a first torque path and a shaft;
providing a second load to the turbine via a second torque path and the shaft; and
operating the turbine such that;
mechanical failure of a component defining at least a portion of the first torque path does not inhibit the second load from being applied to the turbine via the second torque path and the shaft; and
mechanical failure of a component defining the second torque path does not inhibit the first load from being applied to the turbine via the first torque path and the shaft;
wherein the shaft is supported by a thrust bearing that is connected to an intersection between the first torque path and the shaft, and wherein the thrust bearing comprises a tapered roller bearing and is located aft of the first torque path.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods involving multiple torque paths of gas turbine engines are provided. In this regard, a representative method for reducing overspeed potential of a turbine of a gas turbine engine includes: providing a first load to the turbine via a first torque path; providing a second load to the turbine via a second torque path; and operating the turbine such that: mechanical failure of a component defining at least a portion of the first torque path does not inhibit the second load from being applied to the turbine via the second torque path; and mechanical failure of a component defining the second torque path does not inhibit the first load from being applied to the turbine via the first torque path.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for reducing overspeed potential of a turbine of a gas turbine engine, comprising:
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providing a first load associated with a compressor to the turbine via a first torque path and a shaft; providing a second load to the turbine via a second torque path and the shaft; and operating the turbine such that; mechanical failure of a component defining at least a portion of the first torque path does not inhibit the second load from being applied to the turbine via the second torque path and the shaft; and mechanical failure of a component defining the second torque path does not inhibit the first load from being applied to the turbine via the first torque path and the shaft; wherein the shaft is supported by a thrust bearing that is connected to an intersection between the first torque path and the shaft, and wherein the thrust bearing comprises a tapered roller bearing and is located aft of the first torque path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A turbine engine, comprising:
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a compressor; a gear assembly; a turbine; a shaft coupled to the turbine; a thrust bearing supporting the shaft, and comprising a tapered roller bearing; a first spool segment coupling the compressor to the shaft; and a second spool segment coupling the gear assembly to the shaft; wherein the first and the second spool segments are each mechanically connected to the shaft at an intersection, and the thrust bearing is located aft of the first spool segment at the intersection between the shaft and the spool segments. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 16)
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13. A turbine engine, comprising:
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a compressor; a fan; a turbine; a shaft coupled to the turbine; a thrust bearing supporting the shaft, and comprising a tapered roller bearing; a first spool segment coupling the compressor to the shaft; and a second spool segment coupling the fan to the shaft; wherein the first and the second spool segments are each mechanically connected to the shaft at an intersection, and the thrust bearing is located aft of the first spool segment at the intersection between the shaft and the spool segments. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification