Deformable Core Rotor Blade Retention System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for absorbing high-impact loads in aircraft engines, such as those from bird strikes or blade failures, often rely on heavy and costly solid or multi-piece members, which negatively impact engine efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A rotor blade retention system comprising a block, a deformable core, and a retainer plate, where the deformable core is positioned between the block and the retainer plate, and includes webbing members that absorb impact forces by deforming, thereby reducing weight and cost while maintaining engine performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid retainers or retention brackets are used to accommodate large axial forces, then the engine can withstand extreme loading conditions, but the weight and cost of the engine increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the retention system by using a deformable core material that can elastically deform under extreme loads. This allows the system to absorb impact forces through controlled deformation rather than relying on rigid solid retainers, thereby reducing weight while maintaining the ability to withstand extreme loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system employs a composite structure consisting of a deformable core surrounded by a retention mechanism. This composite design combines the weight-saving benefits of deformable materials with the structural integrity needed to contain and manage extreme loads, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
2Reliability
If solid retainers or retention brackets are used to accommodate large axial forces, then the engine can withstand extreme loading conditions, but the cost of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameters to use deformable core materials instead of solid retainers, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and less costly. The deformable core can be manufactured using conventional processes, eliminating the need for complex multi-piece retention brackets while maintaining the ability to withstand extreme loads through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable core acts as a sacrificial element that can be replaced if damaged, rather than requiring expensive solid retainers. This approach reduces overall system cost by using simpler, more economical components that perform the load-absorption function effectively.
3Reliability
If solid retainers or retention brackets are added to the engine, then the engine can accommodate large axial forces, but the engine efficiency and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters from rigid solid retainers to deformable core elements. This allows the retention system to flex and absorb energy during extreme events without creating significant drag or interference during normal operation, thereby maintaining engine efficiency and performance while still accommodating large axial forces when needed.
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
The system effectively absorbs impact forces without significantly increasing weight or cost, enhancing engine efficiency and performance by using a lightweight, deformable core that deflects and absorbs forces, thus preventing damage to the rotor disk and engine core.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable core is positioned between the block and the retainer plate... webbing members that absorb impact forces by deforming
Data Source
AI summary
A load absorbing system that may include a rotor blade retention system is provided. The load absorbing system may include a block, a first retainer plate, and a deformable core. The block may be selectively positioned alongside a dovetail groove. The block may have a first face directed away from the blade root and an axially-spaced second face directed toward the blade root. The first retainer plate may be attached to the second face of the block and axially positioned between the block and the axially-directed surface of the blade root. The deformable core may be positioned between the block and the first retainer plate.