Axial Retention Assembly for Gas Turbine Combustor Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
The axial movement of combustor components during transportation and handling in gas turbine engines often results in damage to fuel lines, necessitating costly and time-consuming repairs, as existing axial positioning assemblies do not effectively prevent or minimize such movement.
Innovation Solution
An axial retention assembly that includes a mounting plate coupled to the combustor casing, a clamp attached to the liner, and a tie rod connecting the mounting plate and clamp to reduce relative movement between the liner and casing along the axial centerline, utilizing a configuration of mounting plates, clamps, and tie rods to secure the components in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the liner and casing are loosely coupled together before installation, then the combustor can be easily assembled and transported, but axial movement between components occurs during transportation causing fuel line damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly is installed on the combustor components before transportation and handling operations. This preliminary action secures the liner and casing together in advance, preventing axial movement during subsequent transportation while allowing easy installation and removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention assembly acts as an intermediary device between the liner and casing. It includes a first retention member attached to the liner, a second retention member attached to the casing, and a connector linking them together. This intermediary structure prevents direct axial movement between the liner and casing while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
2Reliability
If axial movement is prevented during transportation, then fuel line damage is avoided, but the complexity of the combustor assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly is divided into separate segments: a first retention member that attaches to the liner, a second retention member that attaches to the casing, and a connector that links them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and attached, simplifying the overall assembly process while providing effective axial movement prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory in its function. The first and second retention members with their respective attachment mechanisms and the connecting rod between them form a complete, intuitive system that secures the combustor components without requiring additional complex external structures or procedures.
3Reliability
If the combustor components are securely coupled to prevent axial movement, then repair costs and time are reduced, but the ease of transportation and handling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly provides a dynamic solution that adapts to different operational phases. During transportation and handling, the assembly is installed to prevent axial movement and protect fuel lines. During installation and maintenance operations, the assembly can be easily removed to allow component adjustment and assembly. This dynamic application maintains ease of operation while providing protection when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an axial retention assembly for combustor components of a gas turbine engine. The axial retention assembly may include a combustor having a liner and a casing, with the casing including a flange spaced apart from the liner along an axial centerline of the combustor. Furthermore, the axial retention assembly may include a mounting plate having a first end removably coupled to the flange and a second end positioned inward from the casing in a radial direction. Moreover, the axial retention assembly may include a clamp removably coupled to the liner. Additionally, the axial retention assembly may include a tie rod coupled to the second end of the mounting plate and the clamp to reduce relative movement between the liner and the casing along the axial centerline.