Gas Turbine Baffle Datum Layout for Accurate Orifice Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baffle fabrication methods for gas turbine engine components introduce dimensional errors due to the use of temporary reference points, leading to potential re-work or scrapping of baffles, especially when forming operations depend on these points.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using semi-spherical datum features on the baffle wall to establish a fixed reference position, allowing for precise operations like cutting and drilling without temporary reference points, thereby reducing errors and ensuring accurate placement of impingement orifices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If temporary reference points are used in baffle fabrication, then the fabrication process can be completed, but dimensional errors are introduced leading to potential re-work or scrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing permanent datum features on the baffle component before fabrication operations begin. These datum features serve as stable reference points for all subsequent cutting, drilling, and forming operations, eliminating the need for temporary reference points that cause dimensional errors. The datum features are created in advance and used consistently throughout the entire fabrication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses datum features as an intermediary between the baffle component and the fabrication equipment. These features act as a mediating reference system that enables precise positioning and measurement without requiring temporary reference points. The datum features translate the fabrication requirements into accurate physical positions for cutting, drilling, and forming operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If forming operations depend on temporary reference points, then the operations can be performed, but dimensional errors occur leading to re-work or scrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating permanent datum features on the baffle before any forming operations. These datum features provide a stable reference system that remains consistent throughout cutting, drilling, and forming operations, eliminating dimensional errors that would otherwise require re-work or result in scrapping the component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference system parameter from temporary reference points to permanent datum features. This parameter change transforms the fabrication process from one that accumulates dimensional errors to one that maintains consistent dimensional accuracy across all forming operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If two datum features are used to establish fixed reference position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reference system into two separate datum features instead of using a single complex reference point. Each datum feature can be independently manufactured and measured, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high precision. The two datum features work together to establish the fixed reference position without requiring a single overly complex reference structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fabricating a baffle for a gas turbine engine component includes providing a baffle that has a baffle wall that circumscribes an open interior region, the baffle wall defining two datum features, wherein at least one of the two datum features is semi-spherical, establishing a fixed reference position of the baffle in a fixture by engaging the two datum features with two corresponding locators on the fixture, and performing at least one operation on the baffle that is dependent upon the reference position.