Gas Turbine Baffle Datum Features for Precise Fabrication

The patent incorporates permanent datum features directly into the baffle component design during the manufacturing process. These datum features are formed as integral parts of the baffle (such as recesses, protrusions, or machined surfaces) that serve as reference points for subsequent fabrication operations. By establishing these reference features as part of the preliminary manufacturing steps rather than using temporary external fixtures, the process eliminates the need for separate temporary reference points while maintaining both productivity and dimensional accuracy.

The patent applies datum features at specific localized positions on the baffle component where they are most effective for reference purposes. Rather than making the entire baffle complex, only specific regions (such as the forward wall, aft wall, or selected surfaces) incorporate these reference features. This localized approach minimizes the impact on overall device complexity while achieving the desired improvement in manufacturing precision for critical operations.

The patent enables the baffle component to serve its own reference function through self-contained datum features. These permanent features are integral to the baffle design and provide stable, repeatable reference points that eliminate the need for external temporary fixtures. The component essentially references itself during subsequent fabrication operations, improving reliability by eliminating the variability associated with temporary reference points while keeping the fabrication process relatively simple.