Compressor Case Assembly Keyed Stator Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in axial compressors is ensuring the proper installation of stator vanes with non-uniform schemes, as existing methods lack a reliable mechanism to guarantee correct assembly of differently shaped and angled vanes in specific circumferential locations, which is crucial for optimal compressor performance.
Innovation Solution
A compressor case assembly with an assembly track and protrusions that are keyed to specific stator portions, allowing only correct alignment and insertion of stator vanes, preventing incorrect configurations through complementary features and selective interference mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stator vanes with non-uniform schemes are installed without a keyed mechanism, then installation flexibility is improved, but assembly precision deteriorates because there is no reliable mechanism to guarantee correct assembly of differently shaped and angled vanes in specific circumferential locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing keyed features (protrusions on the compressor case, corresponding recesses on stator portions) that are asymmetric in shape and position. This asymmetric keying mechanism ensures that stator portions with non-uniform vane schemes can only be installed in the correct circumferential locations, guaranteeing assembly precision while maintaining installation flexibility through the standardized keyed interface.
2Manufacturing precision
If a keyed mechanism with protrusions and complementary features is added to ensure proper stator installation, then assembly precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed mechanism is segmented into distinct components: protrusions formed on the compressor case and corresponding complementary features (recesses or slots) on the stator portions. This segmentation allows the keying function to be distributed across multiple parts, achieving high assembly precision through localized geometric constraints rather than requiring a complex monolithic structure.
3Reliability
If selectively interfering features are added to prevent incorrect stator installation, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed features (protrusions and complementary features) are formed as integral parts of the compressor case and stator portions during their respective manufacturing processes. This preliminary action incorporates the interference prevention mechanism into the base manufacturing steps, ensuring installation reliability through geometric constraints that are built-in rather than added as separate complex operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a compressor case assembly (10) that includes a compressor case section (11) having an assembly track (18) and a set of stator portions (12, 14, 16) that are insertable in the assembly track (18), the compressor case section (11) and the set of stator portions (12, 14, 16) are configured such that the set of stator portions (12, 14, 16) only assembles to the compressor case section (11) in a single configuration.