Crimping Attachment of Abradable Piece Support to Turbomachine Vane Sector

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching an abradable piece support to the radially inner wall of a turbomachine vane sector are cumbersome and require manual intervention, lacking reliability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A crimping attachment device and method that uses pressure blocks to deform rims on the vane sector, allowing simultaneous attachment of both free axial ends of the abradable piece support to the radially inner wall, which can be automated and reduces the need for manual clamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual clamping is used to attach the abradable piece support to the radially inner wall, then the attachment can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple manual operations for each rim

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment speedVSAvoidcrimping device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple crimping operations into a single device that can simultaneously deform both rims. The crimping device includes first and second pressure blocks that can apply pressure to both rims at the same time, merging what would otherwise be separate manual operations into one automated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical clamping with an automated pressure application system. The crimping device uses controllable pressure blocks that can be actuated automatically, substituting the manual clamp operation with a more sophisticated but automated mechanical system that improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual clamping is used for attaching the abradable piece support, then the equipment required is simple, but the process lacks reliability and requires human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidcrimping device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operations with an automated crimping device that can consistently apply the required pressure to deform the rims. This automation eliminates human error and variability, providing more reliable attachment results while justifying the increased device complexity through consistent, repeatable results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The crimping device is designed to perform the attachment operation autonomously once positioned. The pressure blocks can be actuated automatically to deform the rims without requiring continuous human intervention, allowing the system to complete the attachment process on its own and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If simultaneous attachment of both ends is implemented, then time is saved and productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to multiple pressure blocks and coordination mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment timeVSAvoidcrimping device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the attachment of both ends into a single operational step by providing first and second pressure blocks that can simultaneously deform both rims. This combining of operations eliminates the sequential time required for manual clamping while the device complexity is managed through integrated design of the pressure block system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method simplifies and automates the attachment process, providing increased reliability and time savings by enabling simultaneous attachment of both ends of the abradable piece support, reducing the risk of human error and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

causing a first part to be brought closer to the second part so that the pressure surfaces exert a pressure on the rims of the radially inner wall of the vane sector so as to deform these rims

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10682733B2Optimized method and device for crimping attachment of an abradable piece support to a radially inner wall of a vane sector of a turbomachine

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

A method for attaching an abradable piece support by crimping to the radially inner wall of a vane sector of a turbomachine, comprises deforming opposite rims of the radially inner wall on opposite free axial ends of the abradable piece support respectively, jointly, by means of two pressure blocks (40A, 40B) respectively, which are attached to each other and delimiting a space (42) between them intended to accommodate a median portion of the abradable piece support. A crimping attachment device (30) comprising such pressure blocks can in particular be operated by means of a conventional press, and can enable the method for attaching the abradable piece support to be automated.