Bayoneted Lug Vane Mounting for Turbine Engine Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting methods for vane arrays in gas turbine engines lack error-proof mechanisms, leading to potential misalignment and improper assembly, which can affect the engine's performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed assembly features a bayoneted lug and flange channel system that ensures correct alignment and seating of the vane array with the static structure, preventing improper mounting by using fasteners that can only be secured after the flange is seated within the channel, thus providing a mistake-proof mounting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used for vane arrays, then the assembly process is simpler, but misalignment and improper assembly occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The flange channel is pre-formed with a specific geometry that guides the flange into correct alignment before fastening occurs. The channel's tapered or stepped structure performs the alignment action in advance, ensuring that when the fastener is inserted, the components are already properly positioned, thereby preventing misalignment without requiring complex alignment procedures during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The flange channel acts as an intermediary element between the vane array flange and the mounting structure. This intermediate component provides a controlled interface that enforces correct geometric relationships, serving as a mediator that translates the mounting requirements into physical constraints that guide proper assembly while maintaining overall system reliability
2Manufacturing precision
If error-proof mechanisms are added to prevent misalignment, then assembly accuracy improves, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flange channel employs asymmetric geometry where the cross-sectional shape, wall thickness distribution, or internal features are intentionally non-uniform. This asymmetry creates a unique fit between the channel and flange that inherently prevents incorrect orientation or misalignment, as the asymmetric features only mate correctly in one specific configuration, thereby ensuring precision through geometric constraint rather than complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flange channel provides a nested structural relationship where the vane array flange is inserted into and constrained by the channel, which itself is mounted to the stationary structure. This nested arrangement creates hierarchical constraints at multiple levels, with each nested level providing additional alignment control, ensuring precise positioning through cumulative geometric constraints rather than requiring complex external alignment devices
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An assembly (20) for rotational equipment with an axial centerline (22). The assembly includes a first component (24) and a second component (26). Each of the components (24,26) extends circumferentially around and axially along the centerline (22). The first component (24) includes a flange (42) and a lug aperture extending axially through the flange (42). The second component (26) includes a mount base and a bayoneted lug (70) on the mount base. The mount base is configured to axially engage the flange (42) where the bayoneted lug (70) extends through the lug aperture. A fastener secures the components (24,26) together. The fastener projects axially into a fastener aperture (72) in the mount base for an axial length (92) that is less than or equal to an axial length of the bayoneted lug (70).