Decoupling Cross-Fire Tube Assemblies Using Non-Circular Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools and methods for decoupling cross-fire tube assemblies from liners in gas turbine engines often cause undesirable rotation of the tube assembly during maintenance, complicating the replacement of liners.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rod and plug tool that includes a non-circular cross-section portion to prevent rotation, allowing for secure decoupling of the telescoping tube from the liner by using a base and handle mechanism that stabilizes the rod and prevents it from rotating relative to the base, ensuring controlled movement and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tools are used to decouple cross-fire tube assemblies from liners, then the decoupling operation can be performed, but the tube assembly rotates during decoupling causing undesirable effects
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a non-circular cross-section rod that engages with a corresponding non-circular feature on the telescoping tube. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement during the decoupling operation, allowing the tube assembly to be separated from the liner without unwanted rotation while maintaining operational ease.
2Ease of repair
If the cross-fire tube assembly is decoupled from the liner, then maintenance activities such as liner replacement can be performed, but conventional tools cause rotation that complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular cross-section rod with corresponding engagement features creates a deterministic orientation during decoupling. This asymmetric design ensures the tube assembly separates in a controlled manner without rotation, simplifying the liner replacement process and reducing the complexity of the decoupling operation by eliminating the need to manage rotational instability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (100) for decoupling a telescoping tube (60) from a first liner (42A) of a gas turbine engine (10) is disclosed. The tool (100) includes a rod (102) partially positioned in a telescoping tube passage (76). The rod (102) includes a first portion (108) having a non-circular cross-section and a threaded second portion (110) positioned in a second combustion chamber (40B). A plug (114) couples to the rod (102) and engages a first side surface (64) of the telescoping tube (60). A base (132) defining a base passage (146) extending therethrough is positioned in a second combustion chamber (40B). The base passage (146) includes a first portion (150) having a non-circular cross-section. The first portion (108) of the rod (102) is at least partially positioned in the first portion (150) of the base passage (146). A handle (168) threadingly couples to the rod (102). Rotating the handle (168) in a first direction moves the handle (168) along the rod (102) toward the first combustor (16A) to decouple the telescoping tube (60) from the first liner (42A).