Gas Turbine Disk Retainer Ring With Anti-Rotation Pegs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary disk assemblies in gas turbine engines require complex and costly assembly processes, specialized tools, and do not effectively address rotor imbalance, leading to increased maintenance costs and the risk of component damage.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine rotor assembly using a split retainer ring, anti-rotation peg, and radial retention pegs, which allows for axial and radial retention of the cover plate, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without specialized tools and providing balance correction capabilities through adjustable peg placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressible ring is used to retain the cover plate on the disk, then axial retention is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retention system into multiple functional elements: a non-compressible retaining ring for axial retention, radial retention pegs for radial retention, and an anti-rotation key for rotational stability. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex compressible rings while maintaining reliable retention through simpler, modular components that can be assembled without specialized tools.
2Reliability
If a compressible ring is used to retain the cover plate, then axial retention is provided, but specialized tools are required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed to be self-installing onto the disk without requiring external compression tools. The radial retention pegs engage with corresponding features on the disk, allowing the retaining ring to be manually positioned and secured. This self-service design eliminates the need for specialized assembly tools and reduces maintenance complexity.
3Reliability
If a compressible ring is used for retention, then the cover plate is secured, but the assembly process incurs additional tooling and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive retention components such as the non-compressible retaining ring and radial retention pegs that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These basic mechanical elements eliminate the need for expensive specialized assembly tools and complex compression mechanisms, significantly reducing both initial manufacturing costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
4Reliability
If conventional retention arrangements are used, then the cover plate is retained, but rotor assembly imbalance cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable radial retention pegs that can be repositioned along the disk surface. This dynamic adjustment capability allows technicians to modify the weight distribution and correct rotor assembly imbalance by strategically placing or removing retention pegs, providing adaptability that was absent in conventional fixed retention systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3B
AI summary
A gas turbine engine disk split retainer ring system is provided and includes an apparatus and method for retaining a split ring in relation to a turbine cover plate or disk. Pegs are used to capture and retain a split retainer ring of the gas turbine rotor in relation to the cover plate. An anti-rotation peg has a radially oriented tab for engaging the split ring so as to control the rotation of the ring. The system may be used to balance the operating condition of a turbo machine.