Anti-vortex tube with flared end for compressor rotor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-vortex tubes in gas turbine engines are complex and heavy due to multiple parts like snap rings and retaining rings, which complicate assembly and disassembly, and require detailed balancing procedures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified anti-vortex tube design for a compressor rotor with a conical section and a flared inlet end, featuring a flange and anti-rotation elements that securely engage with the rotor, eliminating the need for additional retaining components and allowing for direct mounting within flow holes, thereby reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parts such as snap rings and retaining rings are used to couple the tube assembly to the compressor disk, then the anti-vortex tube can be securely mounted, but the weight and complexity of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (anti-vortex tube, snap ring, and retaining ring) into a single integrated anti-vortex tube assembly. The tube features integrated retention features including an expanded end portion with circumferential flange and radial tabs that directly engage with the compressor disk, eliminating the need for separate snap rings and retaining rings while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-vortex tube assembly is designed to perform multiple functions with a single component: it provides vortex suppression, structural support, and self-retention all in one piece. The integrated design allows the same component to secure itself to the compressor disk through built-in engagement features without requiring additional specialized retention components
2Reliability
If multiple parts are used in the anti-vortex tube assembly, then secure mounting is achieved, but the assembly and disassembly processes become more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (anti-vortex tube, snap ring, and retaining ring) into a single integrated anti-vortex tube assembly. The tube features integrated retention features including an expanded end portion with circumferential flange and radial tabs that directly engage with the compressor disk, eliminating the need for separate snap rings and retaining rings while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-vortex tube is pre-formed during manufacturing with integrated retention features including the expanded end portion, circumferential flange, and radial tabs already configured for direct engagement with the compressor disk. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex assembly steps involving separate retention components, allowing for rapid installation and removal
3Reliability
If multiple parts are used in the anti-vortex tube assembly, then secure mounting is achieved, but additional balancing procedures and numbering requirements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (anti-vortex tube, snap ring, and retaining ring) into a single integrated anti-vortex tube assembly. The tube features integrated retention features including an expanded end portion with circumferential flange and radial tabs that directly engage with the compressor disk, eliminating the need for separate snap rings and retaining rings while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the separate snap ring and retaining ring components from the assembly, leaving only the integrated anti-vortex tube. This extraction eliminates the need for complex detail balancing procedures and numbering requirements that would be necessary if multiple separate components were used, simplifying both the assembly design and the associated procedural requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a compressor rotor (60) including at least a first disk (D1) and a conical section (80) connected to the first disk (D1) defining between them a bore cavity (66, 68, 70). The conical section (80) includes at least one flow hole (82) and arranged in fluid communication with the bore cavity. An anti-vortex tube (100) is disposed within the at least one flow hole (82) of the conical section (80) and includes a flange (114) for restricting relative motion of the anti-vortex tube (100) with respect to the conical section (80) in a first direction and a flared end portion (104) for restricting relative motion in a second direction. The anti-vortex tube (100) may also comprise anti-rotation means (115) and a cut-away section (120) for imparting a swirl thereby aiding diffusion of the air into the cavity.