Curvic Disc Coupling Locking Against Axial Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turbomachine engines, the curvic type connection between rotating discs can lead to uncoupling and overspeed issues when a disc loses a blade, potentially causing damage or explosion due to unbalanced axial forces.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with axial blocking members that engage with the teeth of the discs to prevent uncoupling, using protuberances and a split ring blocking member to maintain the connection and prevent axial disengagement, while allowing independent centering of the discs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a curvic type connection is used to couple rotating discs, then torque transfer efficiency is improved and independent centering is enabled, but uncoupling risk increases when a blade is lost due to unbalanced axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing blocking members that proactively prevent uncoupling before it can occur. These blocking members are positioned to counteract the unbalanced axial forces that would otherwise cause the discs to separate when a blade is lost, thus preventing the harmful effect before it manifests.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking members act as intermediary elements between the first and second discs. They mediate the connection by providing an additional mechanical constraint that supplements the curvic teeth engagement, ensuring that the discs remain coupled even when the primary tooth engagement is compromised by unbalanced forces.
2Reliability
If blocking members are added to prevent uncoupling, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into multiple individual blocking members distributed around the circumference of the coupling. Each blocking member is a simple, discrete element that can be independently positioned and functions autonomously to prevent uncoupling in its local sector, reducing the complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the operational conditions. They can move radially or axially to engage or disengage as needed, providing a flexible solution that maintains reliability without requiring a complex fixed structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for a turbomachine, including a first and a second disc attached along an axis, and extending in majority respectively from a first and from a second side of a median plane normal to the axis, the first and the second discs being provided respectively with first and second teeth mutually engaging through the median plane to form a curvic connection. Several first teeth each include a first protuberance jutting out towards the axis while extending from the second side; several second teeth each include a second protuberance jutting out towards the axis of rotation while extending from the first side; the first protuberances are spaced apart from the second protuberances along the axis; at least one blocking member is brought to be supported against the first and second protuberances to block axially the first element relatively to the second element.