Axial Locking Wedge Mechanism for Turbine Shaft Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial locking devices for turbomachines do not effectively lock a moving part, such as a measuring stick connector, to a turbine shaft while allowing free rotation, especially in scenarios with restricted space and angular misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An axial locking device featuring a downstream locking wedge, an upstream locking wedge, and a stop segment that aligns and immobilizes the moving part axially without preventing rotation, utilizing an annular cavity and transverse slots and grooves to secure the moving part to the turbine shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an axial locking device is used to lock the moving part to the reference part, then axial stability is improved, but rotational freedom is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into multiple independent components: a locking element with engagement protrusions, a locking surface with corresponding grooves, and a positioning element. This segmentation allows the device to provide axial locking through the engagement between protrusions and grooves while maintaining rotational freedom through the separate positioning element that defines only the axial position, not the angular orientation.
2Ease of operation
If the connector of the measuring stick is made movable in rotation to connect with the remote measuring device, then ease of connection is improved, but axial positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is预先 installed on the moving part to define the axial position before the actual connection operation. This preliminary action establishes the correct axial positioning stability in advance, allowing the connector to then rotate freely for connection without compromising the pre-established axial position.
3Volume of moving object
If the space between the moving part and reference part is restricted, then device compactness is improved, but the complexity of achieving both axial locking and rotational freedom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and positioning element are merged into a single integrated component that performs both functions: the locking element provides axial locking through engagement protrusions and grooves, while the positioning element within the same component defines the axial position and allows rotational freedom. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure despite the restricted space.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for axial locking of a moving part in rotation with respect to a reference part, includes a downstream locking wedge provided with lugs laid out such that the downstream locking wedge can be placed in: a first angular position in which the downstream locking wedge may be translated axially with respect to the moving part, a second angular position in which the lugs axially immobilize the downstream locking wedge with respect to the moving part; an upstream locking wedge able to prevent the rotation of the downstream locking wedge with respect to the moving part; and a stop segment able to immobilize axially the upstream locking wedge against the downstream locking wedge.