Adjustable Balancing Ring for Post-Assembly Engine Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balancing systems for gas turbine engines are difficult to access and adjust after assembly, and they can create a heated air windage effect that reduces engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A balancing system that includes a rotor hub and a balancing ring with ring teeth, meshing with a pinion gear that can be selectively rotated to adjust the position of the balancing ring relative to the rotor hub, allowing for post-assembly adjustments and minimizing windage effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional balancing system is used that is fixed during assembly, then the balancing structure is simple and reliable, but the balancing system cannot be easily accessed for adjustment after engine assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The pinion gear mechanism allows the balancing ring to rotate to different positions after assembly, enabling vibration correction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing system is divided into separable components: the balancing ring with teeth, the pinion gear, and the lock features. This segmentation allows the pinion gear to be selectively engaged or disengaged, providing adjustability while keeping the base balancing structure simple and reliable.
2Productivity
If a balancing system creates a heated air windage effect, then the balancing structure can be simple, but the engine efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows changing the operational parameters of the balancing ring by rotating it to different positions using the pinion gear. This optimization of the balancing ring's position minimizes the heated air windage effect and improves engine efficiency without requiring a complete redesign of the balancing structure.
3Ease of operation
If the pinion gear is made accessible for post-assembly adjustment, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of unauthorized or improper adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock features act as an intermediary mechanism between the pinion gear and the balancing ring. They provide controlled access by requiring specific actions to engage or disengage, allowing legitimate adjustment while preventing unauthorized or improper adjustment through the locking mechanism.
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
The system enables easy adjustment of the balancing ring post-assembly, reducing vibration and minimizing the heated air windage effect, thereby improving engine efficiency and maintainability.
Implementation Method 1
A pinion gear includes a plurality of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the plurality of ring teeth, and wherein the pinion gear is selectively rotated to adjust a position of the balancing ring relative to the rotor hub
Implementation Method 2
the pinion gear is resiliently biased to the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A balancing system includes a rotor hub having a center axis and a balancing ring surrounding the rotor hub. The balancing ring includes a plurality of ring teeth. A pinion gear includes a plurality of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the plurality of ring teeth, wherein the pinion gear is selectively rotated to adjust a position of the balancing ring relative to the rotor hub.