Balance Ring for Geared Turbofan Engine Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compact size of geared turbofan engine cores limits the space available for weight balance features, such as flanges and circlips, increasing assembly time and cost due to additional machining requirements.
Innovation Solution
A ring with a central portion extending to opposing ends, featuring retaining structures that grip the surrounding component to provide balance and potentially meter flow, allowing for installation without additional fasteners and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flanges with rivets or fasteners are added to the structure for balancing purposes, then the balance quality is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The balance ring integrates the balancing function directly into the existing structure by fitting within the turbine cover plate housing, eliminating the need for separate flanges and fasteners. The ring body with retaining features combines structural support and balancing mass in a single component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining balance quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the necessary balancing mass, acts as a structural element within the housing, and includes integrated retaining features for installation. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional separate components (flange, fasteners, and balancing mass) with a single universal component.
2Reliability
If circlips or plugs are added to various structures for balancing purposes, then the balance quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase due to additional machining steps
Solution Approach 1:
The balance ring merges the balancing function with the existing housing structure by utilizing the available space within the turbine cover plate. The retaining features are formed as integral parts of the ring body, eliminating the need for separate machining operations for installing circlips or plugs, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional balance flanges are used in smaller sized engine cores, then the balancing function is achieved, but the available space for installation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The balance ring is designed to nest within the existing turbine cover plate housing, utilizing the internal cavity space rather than requiring external attachment. This nesting approach allows the balancing function to be achieved within the constrained packaging area of smaller engine cores, eliminating the space requirements for traditional external flanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance ring transitions from the traditional two-dimensional flange configuration to a three-dimensional ring structure that utilizes the vertical space within the housing cavity. By extending in the radial direction and fitting within the housing depth, the ring achieves balancing functionality without increasing the external footprint, thereby accommodating smaller engine core dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A ring has a ring body with a central portion surrounding an axis and extending to first and second opposing ends separated by a split. The central portion has a first axial thickness. At least one retaining feature is formed on the ring body, the at least one retaining feature having a second axial thickness greater than the first axial thickness. An assembly and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.