Magnetic Aft Frame Side Seals for Thermal Expansion Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing assemblies in gas turbine engines face durability issues due to high temperatures and thermal expansion, leading to misalignment and incomplete seals, which reduces their lifespan and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement that includes magnets to hold a side seal in place across a circumferential gap between aft frames, allowing for self-alignment and improved durability by using radially oriented magnets and a flexible sealing element to maintain the seal despite thermal and vibrational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing assemblies are used to seal between aft frames, then the sealing function is provided, but the durability is reduced due to high temperature damage and misalignment from thermal expansion and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (bolts, clips, welds) with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the aft frame and opposing magnetic elements in the sealing assembly create magnetic attraction forces that hold the seal in place, allowing for thermal expansion and vibrational movement without mechanical constraint failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sealing assembly by incorporating flexible or compliant sealing materials that can deform and adapt to thermal expansion, vibrational movement, and misalignment. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain contact and sealing effectiveness despite operational stresses.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid sealing assemblies are used to maintain alignment, then alignment is improved, but durability decreases due to thermal expansion and vibrational movement causing misalignment and decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, rigid sealing assembly to a dynamic system that can adapt to changing operational conditions. The flexible sealing materials and magnetically retained construction allow the assembly to move, expand, and flex with thermal and vibrational stresses while maintaining sealing effectiveness and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements or thin film-like structures that can deform and conform to maintain the seal between aft frames. These flexible components accommodate thermal expansion and vibrational movement without breaking the sealing barrier or requiring precise rigid alignment.
3Reliability
If the sealing assembly is made more complex to improve durability, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the sealing assembly: the magnetic elements both retain the seal in place and provide alignment guidance, while the flexible sealing material simultaneously provides the sealing barrier and accommodates thermal expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing function, retention function, and alignment function into a single integrated assembly. The magnetic retention system and flexible sealing elements work together as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fasteners, alignment features, and sealing components.
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 solution enhances the durability and alignment of the sealing assembly, preventing combustion gas dilution and extending the lifespan of the sealing components by maintaining a consistent seal despite operational stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The side seal includes one or more magnets. The side seal is at least partially held in place by the one or more magnets.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing arrangement includes a first aft frame and a second aft frame neighboring one another. The first aft frame and the second aft frame each include an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion radially separated from the inner portion. The first aft frame and the second aft frame further include a first side portion and a second side portion that each extend radially between the inner portion and the outer portion. A circumferential gap is defined between the first side portion of the first aft frame and the second side portion of the second aft frame. The sealing arrangement further includes a side seal that extends across the circumferential gap. The side seal includes one or more magnets. The side seal is at least partially held in place by the one or more magnets.