Cantilevered Stator Balancing Tool for Secure Module Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for balancing turbine engine modules of increased mass and dimensions are inadequate, as they pose handling constraints and risk deterioration due to inappropriate movement during installation in balancers, requiring a tool for secure transport and installation without degradation, and to rationalize balancing operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a stator support, tubular false bearing, guiding sleeve, rear and front support plates, and a calibration assembly that allows adjustable support and immobilization of the rotor and stator, enabling secure handling and balancing of turbine engine modules with reduced interfaces, facilitating secure transport and installation without risk of degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a turbine engine module of increased mass and dimensions is directly mounted and supported in a balancer without interface, then the balancing operation can be performed, but the handling becomes constrained and the risk of deterioration increases due to inappropriate movement during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface tool comprising a support structure with holding means that acts as an intermediary between the turbine engine module and the balancer. This interface tool provides secure engagement points for lifting and transporting the module, preventing inappropriate movement during installation while enabling controlled handling operations. The interface tool includes immobilization means that secure the rotor relative to the stator, eliminating relative movement risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface tool is assembled and prepared before the turbine engine module is installed in the balancer. The support structure is positioned on the module, and the rotor is immobilized relative to the stator in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the module is lifted and transported to the balancer, all securing actions are already in place, preventing deterioration during handling.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustments are made during the installation of each module directly supported by the balancer, then the module can be properly positioned, but the total duration of the balancing operation considerably increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface tool includes adjustment means that are configured and positioned during the assembly of the interface tool itself, before the module is installed in the balancer. The support structure is adjustable to accommodate different module dimensions, and the immobilization means are pre-positioned. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during the balancing operation, as everything is already properly positioned and secured.
3Reliability
If a tool is introduced to support and transport the turbine engine module with reduced interfaces, then secure handling is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface tool is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate different turbine engine module configurations. The holding means are configured to engage with various module types, and the adjustment means can adapt to different dimensions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized tools, thereby managing complexity while maintaining secure transport capabilities across different module types.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface tool combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the support structure for holding the module, the immobilization means for securing the rotor to the stator, and the adjustment means for positioning. By merging these functions into one unified tool rather than separate components, the overall system complexity is reduced while maintaining all necessary capabilities for secure transport and positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for balancing a turbine engine module in a balancer, the module including a stator, a rotor and a shaft, the balancer including at least one power drive unit and a table equipped with two support of the shaft of the module. The tool includes at least: one stator support, fixed on the table of the balancer behind the supports, a tubular false bearing, configured to support a bearing for guiding the rotor in the stator and protruding outside of the stator, a guiding sleeve of the shaft, confining a support of the false bearing, and received on the supports of the balancer, a rear support plate of the stator, fixed to the support of the stator, and immobilising the rotor with respect to the stator, a front support plate of the stator, fixed to the stator support, and immobilising and centring the false bearing.