Compressor Blade Locking Mechanism with Tangential Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor blade locking systems for gas turbines have a high number of parts, leading to disassembly issues and a risk of damage to compressor blades due to stray assembly pieces.
Innovation Solution
A compressor blade locking device comprising a first and second support with locking grooves, an upper plate, and bolts that secure the components together, reducing the number of parts and facilitating disassembly while preventing movement and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-piece spacer is used to fill the remaining space in the tangential groove, then the space can be filled and secured, but the number of parts increases and the risk of disassembly and damage to compressor blades increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate components (supports, spacers, locking pieces) into an integrated compressor blade assembly structure. The first and second supports are positioned on opposite sides of the tangential groove, with spacers and locking pieces integrated between them, creating a unified assembly that reduces the total number of discrete parts while maintaining security and preventing disassembly.
2Reliability
If multiple parts including bolts and nuts are used in the multi-piece spacer, then the remaining space can be secured, but the parts can disassemble and be released into the compressor blades causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric design in the locking mechanism where the locking pieces have specific shapes that match corresponding grooves or features on the supports. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the locking pieces can be installed in only one orientation and cannot easily disassemble or become stray parts, while still effectively securing the remaining space in the tangential groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a nested structure where locking pieces are positioned within the assembly between the first and second supports, with spacers integrated between the supports and locking pieces. This nested arrangement ensures that all small components are contained within the assembly structure itself, preventing them from becoming stray parts that could damage compressor blades while maintaining the securing function.
3Reliability
If a conventional multi-piece spacer with many parts is used, then the tangential groove can be fully filled, but disassembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the compressor blade assembly into modular components (first support, second support, spacers, locking pieces) that are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled as a unit. Each segment has defined interfaces and locking features that allow for straightforward assembly and disassembly operations, making maintenance and repair more accessible while ensuring complete filling of the tangential groove.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor blade locking device can include: a first support including a first locking groove; a second support including a second locking groove; an upper plate disposed in the first locking groove and the second locking groove; and a plurality of bolts passing through the upper plate and coupled with the first support and the second support. The compressor blade locking device can further include a center support interposed between the first support and the second support.