Compressor Diffuser Shroud Alignment Tool Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of motor driven compressors for aircraft inert gas generation systems is time and labor intensive due to the need for precise alignment and clearance of rotating parts, which increases manufacturing burden and system weight.
Innovation Solution
A compressor diffuser and shroud assembly with a cylindrical alignment tool is used to align and couple the diffuser and shroud with the thrust plate, ensuring precise sealing and alignment through a specific ratio of sealing lip diameters and curvature, facilitating efficient assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precision-machined alignment pins are used to ensure proper alignment and clearance of rotating parts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the alignment pins from the final assembly by using a temporary alignment tool during manufacturing only. The alignment tool is extracted after serving its purpose, leaving a simpler final product without unnecessary alignment pins that would add weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool is used preliminarily during the assembly process to establish precise alignment before the actual components are joined. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for permanent alignment pins in the final assembly.
2Reliability
If alignment pins are inserted to maintain precise alignment for future maintenance, then reliability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pins are extracted from the design entirely, replaced by a temporary alignment tool used only during assembly. This eliminates the weight of permanent alignment pins while maintaining the ability to achieve precise alignment during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
A temporary alignment tool serves as an intermediary during the assembly process to achieve precise alignment, but it is not part of the final product. This intermediary approach provides the benefits of alignment pins without their permanent weight penalty.
3Manufacturing precision
If static parts are sized to receive alignment pins, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pins are removed from the design, eliminating the need to size and machine static parts to accommodate them. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining alignment precision through the temporary alignment tool approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment is performed preliminarily using a temporary tool before final assembly, eliminating the need for permanent alignment features in the static parts. This reduces manufacturing burden by removing the requirement to machine pin receptacles with precise tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect includes a compressor diffuser and shroud for a motor driven compressor assembly. The motor driven compressor assembly includes a first stage compressor and a second stage compressor. The compressor diffuser and shroud of the second stage compressor includes a diffuser portion and a shroud portion. The diffuser portion includes a diffuser portion outer lip having a first sealing lip outer diameter to provide a first sealing interface to a second stage compressor housing. The shroud portion includes a curvature between the diffuser portion outer lip and a compressor inlet to align with a second stage compressor rotor, where a ratio of the first sealing lip outer diameter to an innermost diameter of the compressor diffuser and shroud is between 2.698 and 2.711.