Elastic Seal Strip Assemblage for Turbine Thermal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal devices fail to maintain effective seal contact between assembly components under thermal stress, fluid pressure, and vibratory forces, leading to leakage and increased assembly and maintenance costs, especially in gas turbine engines where thermal deformation causes gaps between shroud and platform sections.
Innovation Solution
A seal device comprising a seal strip assemblage with elastic deformation capabilities, formed from heat-resistant materials like ceramics or steel, which can accommodate arbitrary shapes and maintain seal-tight contact by adjusting to changes in the gap between assembly components, using a connection rod or bar to form an integral structure that can withstand thermal expansion and external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If assembly components are divided into multiple sections to accommodate thermal deformation and simplify assembly, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but gap formation and fluid leakage occur between connected sections
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device is divided into multiple seal strips arranged in series between the assembly components. Each seal strip can independently deform to accommodate gap variations while collectively maintaining seal integrity across the entire assembly interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal strips are designed as flexible elastic bodies that can deform to fill gaps between assembly components. This flexibility allows the seal device to accommodate thermal deformation and assembly tolerances while preventing fluid leakage.
2Reliability
If rigid seal structures are used to prevent leakage, then seal integrity is improved, but inability to accommodate thermal expansion and deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The elastic seal strips can continuously adjust their shape and position in response to thermal expansion, contraction, and deformation of the assembly components, maintaining seal integrity under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal strips are made of elastic materials whose physical properties allow them to change shape and volume in response to temperature and pressure variations. This enables the seal device to adapt to thermal deformation while maintaining effective sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex seal structures are designed to accommodate arbitrary gap changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device uses simple flexible seal strips instead of complex rigid structures. The elasticity of the material inherently provides the adaptability needed to accommodate arbitrary gap changes, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal strips are designed as simple, inexpensive elastic components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Their simplicity reduces manufacturing complexity while their elastic properties provide the necessary adaptability for gap accommodation.
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 seal device effectively prevents fluid leakage and maintains seal integrity even under thermal stress and external forces, reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of turbine components by ensuring consistent seal performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
seal strips, a seal strip assemblage and a joint section... capable of accommodating an arbitrary form... even in case of occurrence of a gap change between assembly components due to heat stress or external force, the seal strip assemblage is able to maintain its seal ability because seal strips thereof perform elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
seal strips are capable of withstanding external forces induced by thermal stress... seal strips thereof perform elastic deformation or adjust their arrangement in accordance with the gap change between the assembly components... capable of withstanding thermal expansion and external forces
Data Source
AI summary
Primary objective of the present invention is to effect a seal against a variable clearance formed between assembly components which admit flows of high temperature fluids or are subjected to vibrations. Another objective is to reduce manufacture cost thereof. The seal device is comprised of seal strip, seal strip assemblage and a joint section, wherein the seal strip retains a first seal end section at one distal end of a thin seal base strip and a second seal end section at the other distal end of said seal base strip, wherein the seal strip assemblage arranges a plurality of said seal strips and retains a first outer circumferential seal face and a second outer circumferential seal face, the first outer circumferential seal face being disposed at the outer circumference of the first seal end section, the second outer circumferential seal face being disposed at the outer circumference of the second seal end section, wherein the joint section connects the seal strip assemblage so as to form an integral structure.