Fan Blade Clamp Heating for Wear Strip Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fan blades in gas turbine engines experience high levels of wear due to centrifugal forces, and existing solutions for mitigating wear, such as bonding wear-resistant materials, do not effectively address the issue of securing these materials to the fan blade.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus comprising a first clamp part and a second clamp part, each with an inner surface profiled to match the fan blade, and recesses for receiving a secondary component. The apparatus includes heaters to apply heat and secure the secondary component to the fan blade using a film adhesive, with temperature sensors to control the heating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat is applied to activate the adhesive, then bonding strength is improved, but temperature control precision is required to avoid damaging the fan blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature of the secondary component during the heating process. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the heating power in real-time, ensuring the adhesive is activated at the optimal temperature while preventing overheating that could damage the fan blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is positioned to apply thermal energy locally and selectively to the secondary component and adhesive interface, rather than heating the entire fan blade assembly. This localized heating approach activates the adhesive where needed while minimizing thermal exposure to surrounding areas, reducing the risk of damage to the fan blade.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamping force is increased to secure the secondary component, then bonding contact is improved, but the risk of damaging the fan blade root increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to pre-position and secure the secondary component against the fan blade root before thermal activation occurs. This preliminary mechanical securing ensures proper alignment and contact between bonding surfaces, allowing subsequent adhesive activation to proceed without requiring excessive clamping force that could damage the blade root.
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 fixing apparatus provides a reliable and controlled method for attaching wear-resistant secondary components to fan blades, effectively reducing wear and improving the durability of the fan blades by ensuring a strong and even bond.
Implementation Method 1
a corresponding heater for applying heat to the secondary component located in the recess in use
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor may be a thermocouple
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a fixing apparatus (10) for fixing a secondary component (14) to a fan blade, the fixing apparatus comprising: a first clamp part (16) comprising a first inner surface (20) and a second clamp part (18) comprising a second inner surface (22), the first inner surface and the second inner surface having a profile corresponding to a profile of a portion of the fan blade (102). The first clamp part and/or the second clamp part comprises a recess (24) in the respective first inner surface and/or second inner surface for receiving the secondary component, and a corresponding heater (28, 30) for applying heat to the secondary component located in the recess in use. The first clamp part and the second clamp part are configured to cooperate with one another to clamp the portion of a blade between them in a clamping operation and to hold the secondary component against the blade when the secondary component is received within the recess.