Centering Bearing Compartment Nut with Swaged Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for centering bearing compartments in gas turbine engines are limited by discrete nut positions, which restrict precise alignment and tensioning, leading to suboptimal spool alignment and increased friction.
Innovation Solution
A nut with a hexagonal head, neck, and locking ring, along with a pivot guide, allows for continuous rotation and tensioning of a strut to center the bearing compartment, using a swaging tool to form indentations in a retaining plate that prevent further rotation, enabling precise alignment within tight tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional discrete nut positions are used for centering bearing compartments, then the device structure is simple, but the alignment precision and tensioning accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is designed to rotate continuously along the strut rod rather than being fixed at discrete positions, enabling dynamic adjustment of the bearing compartment centering. This continuous rotation capability allows precise alignment within tight tolerances while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter from discrete fixed positions to continuous variable positions through rotation. The nut can be rotated to any angle along the strut rod, providing a continuum of positions for precise centering adjustment, thereby improving alignment precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous rotation of the nut is allowed for precise centering, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device requires additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged after the nut has been rotated to the desired position for precise centering. The locking slots in the locking ring are pre-positioned to engage with corresponding features on the strut, securing the nut at the optimized position without requiring complex real-time locking controls during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring with locking slots acts as an intermediary between the continuously rotatable nut and the fixed strut structure. It allows the nut to rotate freely during adjustment while providing discrete locking positions when needed, simplifying the overall locking mechanism design.
3Manufacturing precision
If the nut is rotated to apply tension for centering, then the bearing compartment alignment is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hexagonal head of the nut provides a curved surface that interfaces with the swaging tool, allowing rotational adjustment through a simple sweeping motion. This geometric design enables operators to rotate the nut along the strut rod with minimal effort, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise centering.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut structure itself, with its hexagonal head and threading along the strut rod, enables self-adjustment through rotation. The design allows the tensioning and centering function to be achieved by a single rotational operation without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for dressing centering a bearing compartment in a gas turbine engine. A nut may be inserted through an outer case of a gas turbine engine. The nut may be coupled to a strut which centers a bearing compartment. The nut may be rotated to achieve a desired tension on the strut to center the bearing compartment. A retaining plate comprising a collar may be positioned over the nut. A swaging tool comprising a swaging ramp may be positioned over the nut. The swaging tool may be forced against the retaining plate using a draw-in bolt. The swaging ramp may contact the collar and form indentations in the collar to lock the nut in place.