Compressor Blade Locking Mechanism with Tangential Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor blade locking devices for gas turbines with multi-piece spacers are prone to disassembly and damage due to numerous parts, including bolts and nuts, which can release and harm compressor blades.
Innovation Solution
A compressor blade locking device comprising a center support with a tab that can be turned to insert into left and right grooves, securing the device within the tangential groove of the disk, eliminating the need for multiple parts and preventing disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-piece spacer with bolts and nuts is used to fill the remaining space in the tangential groove, then the space can be filled and secured, but the device complexity increases and the reliability decreases due to multiple parts that can disassemble and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (left spacer, right spacer, center spacer, and locking mechanism) into a single integrated one-piece spacer structure. This eliminates the need for multiple bolts and nuts, reducing device complexity while improving reliability by preventing part disassembly and release into the compressor blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece spacer is designed with segmented functional regions including left and right groove engagement portions, a center support structure, and integrated locking tabs. This segmentation allows the single component to perform multiple functions previously requiring separate parts, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-piece spacer with many parts is used, then the remaining space can be filled, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all spacer functions into a single integrated component with built-in locking tabs and groove engagement features, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly steps involving multiple bolts and nuts. The single-piece design can be installed and removed as one unit, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Quantity of substance
If a multi-piece spacer is used to fill the remaining space, then the space utilization is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to the risk of parts disassembling and damaging compressor blades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the remaining space in the tangential groove effectively by designing a one-piece spacer that fits precisely into the available space between compressor blades. The integrated structure with locking tabs prevents any part disassembly, eliminating the harmful factor of parts releasing and damaging compressor blades while achieving optimal space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece spacer design incorporates preventive measures by eliminating multiple fastening parts that could potentially fail. The integrated structure with built-in locking features provides beforehand protection against the harmful effect of part disassembly and release into the compressor blade path.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor blade locking device can include: a first support including a first locking groove; a second support including a left groove and a first protrusion corresponding to the first locking groove; a third support including a second locking groove; a fourth support including a right groove and a second protrusion corresponding to the second locking groove; a center support disposed between the second support and the fourth support; and a tab disposed in the center support, wherein the tab is configured to be turned such that the tab is disposed in the left groove and the right groove.