Exhaust Liner Attachment via Segmented Duct Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust systems for gas turbine engines require complex and costly apparatus to secure the exhaust flow liner within the duct, leading to high manufacturing and assembly complexities due to intricate alignment requirements and mechanical stresses.
Innovation Solution
An exhaust system design featuring structural duct segments with junction flanges and links that include a lock member and catch member, allowing for secure attachment and pivoting motion to accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stresses, while simplifying assembly and disassembly through modular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex securing apparatus with intricate attachments are used to secure the exhaust flow liner to the exhaust duct, then the liner can be securely attached, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust duct is divided into multiple duct segments that can be assembled around the exhaust flow liner. Each segment has simplified attachment features (attachment nodes and capture nests) rather than requiring complex securing apparatus for the entire duct. This segmentation allows the liner to be securely attached through multiple simple connections rather than one complex connection system.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment features are incorporated into the exhaust duct and liner to achieve necessary assembly tolerances, then assembly precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment nodes are pre-defined at specific locations on the exhaust flow liner, and the capture nests are pre-positioned on the duct segments. This preliminary positioning of attachment features eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment procedures during assembly. The pre-defined locations ensure proper spacing and alignment while keeping manufacturing straightforward.
3Reliability
If the exhaust system is designed to accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stresses, then reliability under operational conditions is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link assembly provides dynamic adjustment capability through its adjustable length mechanism. This allows the distance between the duct segment and exhaust flow liner to be modified to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction during operation. The dynamic adjustment feature enables the system to maintain proper clearance and alignment under varying thermal and mechanical conditions without requiring an overly complex structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
The exhaust system (60) includes an exhaust flow path liner (62) surrounded and supported by a plurality of structural duct segments (64, 70). Pluralities of links (84) are secured to and extend between the duct segments (64, 70) and the liner (62). A duct end (88) of the link includes a lock member (96) having a diameter greater than a width of the stem (86). The lock member (96) is configured to be secured within a capture nest (98) defined between and within adjacent junction flanges (76, 80} of the structural duct segments {64, 70) when the segments (64, 70) are secured to each other to secure the segments (64, 70) together. A catch member (100) at an opposed end of the link (84) is secured to a capture node (102) at the exhaust liner (62).