Unitary Anti-Vortex Tube Retaining Ring for Gas Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and maintenance of anti-vortex tube (AVT) retaining rings and bore baskets in gas turbine engines are time-consuming and costly, with a high risk of producing foreign object debris (FOD) due to the complexity of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A unitary body design for the AVT retaining ring and bore basket, comprising an inboard, outboard, and intermediate portion, with a reduced number of components, allowing for easier assembly and reduced risk of FOD, featuring a first and second ring-shaped body with a flange extending between them for engagement with compressor blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple components are used for AVT retaining ring and bore basket, then the structural functionality is achieved, but the assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AVT retaining ring and bore basket into a single integrated component with a reduced number of parts. The retaining ring includes a body portion with an inner diameter for engagement with the compressor block and an outer diameter for engagement with the turbine housing, eliminating the need for separate retaining ring and bore basket components. This merging of functions reduces assembly complexity and time while maintaining the necessary structural functionality to hold AVTs in place.
2Device complexity
If multiple components are used for AVT retaining ring and bore basket, then the structural functionality is achieved, but the cost of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single AVT retaining ring component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate bore basket components and reducing the number of fasteners and sealing elements required. The single-component design simplifies the supply chain and reduces assembly labor costs.
3Device complexity
If multiple components are used for AVT retaining ring and bore basket, then the structural functionality is achieved, but the risk of producing foreign object debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the risk of foreign object debris (FOD) by consolidating multiple components into a single integrated AVT retaining ring. Fewer separate parts mean fewer mating surfaces, fewer fasteners, and fewer potential failure points where debris could be generated or loose parts could become FOD hazards. The integrated design eliminates the risk of separate retaining ring and bore basket components becoming loose or detaching during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified single-component design that can be easily replaced as a unit if wear or damage occurs. Rather than requiring complex disassembly and replacement of multiple individual components, the entire AVT retaining ring assembly can be replaced as a single serviceable unit, reducing the risk of FOD during maintenance operations and simplifying repair procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An anti-vortex tube (AVT) retaining ring and bore basket (210, 202; 301; 501) is provided and includes a unitary body (210; 310; 510) having an inboard portion (220; 320; 520), an outboard portion (230; 330; 530) and an intermediate portion (240; 340; 540). The inboard portion (220; 320; 520) includes a first ring-shaped body (221; 321; 521) with an outer diameter. The outboard portion (230; 330; 530) is configured to support an array of AVTs (231) and includes a second ring-shaped body (232; 332; 532) with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first ring-shaped body (221; 321; 531). The intermediate portion (240; 340; 540) includes a flange (241; 341; 541) extending between the outer and inner diameters of the first (221; 321; 521) and second ring-shaped bodies(232; 332; 532), respectively.