Compressor Housing Boss Mating Surface for Air Cycle Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft environmental control systems face challenges in securely mounting and aligning components of the air cycle machine, such as the compressor housing, which affects the efficiency and reliability of air compression and dehumidification processes.
Innovation Solution
The compressor housing features a mating surface with specifically designed bosses of two types at different radial distances, allowing for secure fastening of turbine nozzles and a seal plate, with a 17:2 ratio of first to second boss type, facilitating precise alignment and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used for the compressor housing, then the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming, but the mounting security and alignment precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is segmented into multiple boss positions with different functions (first boss type for turbine nozzles, second boss type for seal plate), allowing each component to be mounted at optimized locations. This segmentation enables secure mounting while simplifying the assembly process through standardized boss features.
Solution Approach 2:
Different boss types are positioned at different radial distances from the center of the compressor volute, with the first boss type at a first radial distance and the second boss type at a second radial distance. This local differentiation optimizes the mounting security and alignment for each specific component (turbine nozzles vs. seal plate) based on its functional requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple components are mounted on the compressor housing, then the assembly becomes more secure, but the alignment precision and assembly time are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bosses are pre-positioned and integrally formed with the compressor housing body during manufacturing, with precise radial distances and angular spacing already established. This preliminary action ensures that when components are assembled, they automatically achieve precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor housing features an asymmetric distribution of boss types with a specific ratio (17:2) of first boss type to second boss type, positioned at different radial distances. This asymmetric configuration optimizes both the security and alignment precision for the specific arrangement of turbine nozzles and seal plate components.
3Productivity
If a high ratio of first boss type to second boss type is used (17:2), then the turbine nozzle mounting is optimized, but the seal plate securing becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Both boss types serve the universal function of securing components to the compressor housing through threaded fasteners, but are differentiated by their radial positions and assigned component types. This multi-functionality approach allows the same basic boss structure to efficiently mount different components (turbine nozzles and seal plate) with optimized positioning for each.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the assembly process, ensuring secure mounting of components, improving the efficiency and reliability of air compression and dehumidification in aircraft environmental control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The body includes a compressor volute configured to provide centrifugal compression in the air cycle machine
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor housing for an air cycle machine is provided. The compressor housing includes a body having a compressor volute configured to provide centrifugal compression in the air cycle machine. A mating surface is integrally formed with the body. The mating surface includes a plurality of substantially equally angularly spaced bosses. The bosses include a first boss type at a first radial distance and configured to receive a threaded fastener coupled to a turbine nozzle of the air cycle machine. The bosses also include a second boss type at a second radial distance configured to secure a seal plate of the air cycle machine. The second radial distance is less than the first radial distance. A ratio of a number of the bosses of the first boss type to the second boss type is 17 to 2.