Bladed Disk Retaining Clip Snap-Fit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bladed rotor assemblies for gas turbine engines face issues with blade retention, particularly in composite blades, where smash plates require deforming forces and can cause stress concentration and damage, and existing solutions like undercut grooves are complex to produce and prone to frettage.
Innovation Solution
A bladed disk assembly with a disk featuring axial grooves and a retaining clip that engages through a snap-fit mechanism, eliminating the need for deforming forces and providing a sealing function, suitable for composite blades and reducing stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smash plates are used to retain composite blades, then blade retention is achieved, but stress concentration and damage occur due to deforming forces
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining clip is introduced as an intermediary component between the blade and the rotor assembly. The clip engages with the blade through a groove and retains it without requiring deforming forces, thereby preventing stress concentration while maintaining reliable blade retention
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional smash plate mechanism that relies on deforming forces is replaced with a snap-fit retaining clip system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical deformation to achieve retention, thereby preventing stress concentration and damage to composite blades
2Reliability
If undercut grooves are used for blade retention, then blade retention is achieved, but the solution becomes complex to produce and prone to frettage
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into distinct functional components: a groove in the blade, a retaining clip with engagement features, and a rotor assembly with a retaining groove. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced independently with standard processes, avoiding the complexity of undercut grooves
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip is designed as a simple, easily manufactured component that can be produced through standard stamping or forming processes. This approach replaces the complex undercut groove machining with a simpler, more cost-effective solution that is less prone to manufacturing defects and frettage
3Reliability
If retaining structures are added to the bladed disk assembly, then blade retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip serves multiple functions: it retains the blade axially, provides a sealing function through its engagement with the groove, and distributes loads evenly without requiring complex deformation mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively retains blades without applying deforming forces, reduces stress concentrations, and simplifies the manufacturing process by using a snap-fit retaining clip, enhancing the structural integrity and reliability of the bladed disk assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining clip is engaged with the disk through a snap-fit
Data Source
AI summary
A bladed disk assembly includes a disk, a blade, and a retaining clip. The disk is centered on an axis. The disk has at least one groove extending along the axis. The blade is received in the groove. The retaining clip contacts the blade and limits movement of the blade along the axis. The retaining clip is engaged with the disk through a snap-fit.