Turbine Combustor Bullhorn Support with Interlocking Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bullhorn supports in turbine combustors experience high mechanical stresses during operation due to axial movement restrictions, which can lead to undesirable effects, especially when mounted between divided support rings.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly with interlocking arms and fingers that maintain axial alignment while allowing radial and circumferential movement, reducing stress transmission by accommodating thermal expansion and installation needs through a split support ring configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the bullhorn is rigidly connected to the transition segment to maintain axial alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but mechanical stress increases during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial alignmentVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the bullhorn and transition segment is made dynamic through a floating support mechanism that allows axial movement. The support includes a floating element that can move axially relative to the bullhorn, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion and operational stresses while maintaining proper alignment during assembly and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support mechanism changes the positional parameters of the transition segment relative to the bullhorn. By allowing axial movement through the floating support, the system can adjust the axial position to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining radial and circumferential alignment, thereby reducing mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stress or pressure

If the bullhorn is mounted on a divided support ring to reduce stress, then mechanical stress is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stressVSAvoidsupport ring structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support ring is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the support structure to accommodate thermal expansion and operational stresses by permitting relative movement between segments, thereby reducing the transmission of mechanical stresses to the bullhorn while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stress or pressure

If the transition segment is allowed to move axially to alleviate stress, then mechanical stress is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stressVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support mechanism provides dynamic positioning that adapts during operation. The floating support allows axial movement to alleviate stress during turbine operation, while the interlocking connection between the bullhorn and transition segment maintains radial and circumferential alignment, ensuring positioning accuracy is maintained where critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8281602B2Circumferentially self expanding combustor support for a turbine engine

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A bullhorn or support for a turbine combustor is provided. The support maintains proper positioning of the transition element relative to the combustor while also allowing for certain movements of the support to alleviate mechanical stresses during turbine operation. The support is constructed from at least two pieces having an interlocking and releasable connection.