Non-Metallic Engine Inlet Compression Seal for Cycle Fatigue

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing compression seal interfaces in gas turbine engines, particularly the J-seal, are difficult to manufacture and susceptible to cycle fatigue, which can affect the engine's performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A non-metallic engine case inlet compression seal is developed, comprising a non-metallic arcuate interface section, a non-metallic longitudinal leg section, and a non-metallic mount flange section, which are manufactured from silicone rubber and may include fiber reinforcement for added strength and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metallic J-seal is used for the compression seal interface, then the seal provides sufficient strength and durability, but the seal is difficult to manufacture and susceptible to cycle fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to cycle fatigueVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional metallic mechanical seal system with a non-metallic compression seal system that uses elastic deformation and compression forces instead of mechanical joint structures, eliminating the complexity of manufacturing metallic seals with multiple joints and fasteners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction with fiber reinforcement embedded in a non-metallic matrix material, combining the flexibility and fatigue resistance of non-metallic materials with the strength of fiber reinforcement, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the compression seal uses uniform material properties throughout, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the seal cannot optimize performance for different functional sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddesign flexibility for different sections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different durometer values to different sections of the compression seal - the arcuate interface section has a first durometer optimized for sealing contact, while the longitudinal leg section has a second durometer optimized for structural support and mounting, allowing each section to perform its specific function optimally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 non-metallic compression seal provides a reliable and efficient sealing solution that is less prone to manufacturing difficulties and cycle fatigue, while also offering design flexibility and resistance to application temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

A non-metallic engine case inlet compression seal for a gas turbine engine includes a non-metallic arcuate interface section; a non-metallic longitudinal leg section that extends from the non-metallic arcuate interface section; and a non-metallic mount flange section that extends from the longitudinal leg section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12281702B2Non-metallic engine case inlet compression seal for a gas turbine engine

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 RTX CORP

AI summary

A non-metallic engine case inlet compression seal for a gas turbine engine includes a non-metallic longitudinal leg section that extends from the non-metallic arcuate interface section and a non-metallic mount flange section that extends from the longitudinal leg section.