Turbomachine Blade Core Assembly for Precise Mold Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in manufacturing turbomachine blades with complex cooling cavities is the precise positioning and assembly of ceramic cores, which are too small and have complex geometries, making conventional isostatic positioning impractical and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A mold assembly system for turbomachine blades using a first and second core element with retaining devices that ensure precise positioning and assembly, including retaining members that pass through or extend through the core elements, providing support points and allowing for non-contact alignment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional six-point isostatic positioning system is used for each core part, then positioning precision is improved, but the number of supports doubles which is impractical given the mold dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning functions for both core parts into a single shared support system. Instead of implementing separate six-point isostatic positioning systems for each core part, the invention uses one positioning system that simultaneously positions both core parts, thereby reducing the total number of supports from twelve to six while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions both core parts relative to the mold cavity and simultaneously maintains the relative positioning between the two core parts. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate positioning systems for each core part.
2Productivity
If core parts are made smaller and more complex to form sophisticated cooling cavities, then cooling efficiency is improved, but positioning and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the positioning of multiple small, complex core parts into a single integrated positioning operation. By using a shared support system, the complex task of positioning multiple small core parts is simplified into one operation, making the process easier to perform despite the complexity of the individual parts.
3Stability of the object's composition
If core parts are permanently attached to the ceramic shell, then positioning stability is improved, but adaptability for different blade designs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed to be adaptable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The support system can be adjusted and repositioned to accommodate different blade designs and core part configurations, providing both stability during the casting process and versatility for different production requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Assembly for producing a moulding made of removable material of a turbomachine blade and comprising an injection mould for said removable material in which mould a first core element (22) and a second core element (21) are able to be mounted in a predetermined moulding position, the first and second core elements (22, 21) extending in a first direction (Z), the mould comprising: -a first face (20) for moulding an intrados face of the blade and a second face for moulding an extrados face of the blade and arranged facing the first face in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (Z), - retaining members (P4, P5) for holding the cores (22, 21) in position in the injection mould, wherein at least a first retaining member (P4, P5) extends from the first face of the mould in the second direction and passes at least partially through the first and second core elements (22, 21), the first retaining member (P4, P5) comprising a first bearing point (P4a, P5a) at which it bears against the first core element (22) and a second bearing point (P4f, P5f) at which it bears against the second core element (21).