Fan Blade Platform Clevis Pin Support Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, the use of separate metal bushings to support pins for mounting fan blade platforms is cumbersome and increases weight, as these bushings require additional assembly and surface operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming apertures in the clevises during machining and molding, eliminating the need for separate bushings by integrating support structures directly into the platform and hub, allowing direct pin attachment without additional assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate metal bushings are used to support pins for mounting fan blade platforms, then the pin is supported and mounted, but the weight increases and additional assembly operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bushing function directly into the clevis by forming an integrated bushing recess that receives a bushing as part of the single piece structure, eliminating the need for separate bushing assembly operations while maintaining the support function for the pin
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing recess is formed during the molding process before final assembly, pre-positioning the bushing support structure within the clevis so that no additional assembly operations are needed later in the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If separate metal bushings are assembled into apertures in the clevises, then the pin is supported, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis and bushing support structure are merged into a single integrated component where the bushing recess is formed as part of the mold cavity, eliminating the need for separate bushing assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing support structure is pre-formed during the molding process, preparing the recess in advance so that the pin can be directly installed without requiring separate bushing assembly operations
3Reliability
If separate metal bushings are used, then the pin is supported, but additional surface operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing support function is merged into the clevis structure with the recess formed during molding, eliminating the need for separate surface preparation and bushing installation operations that would otherwise be required
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing recess is pre-formed during the molding process, preparing the surface and structure in advance to receive the pin directly without requiring additional surface operations or separate assembly steps
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
In a featured embodiment, a fan rotor comprises a platform. Clevises extend radially inwardly of the platform. Each clevis has an aperture. A hub has hub lugs positioned intermediate spaced ends of the clevises, and apertures. A pin extends through the apertures in the hub and the clevises to connect the platform to the hub. The apertures in the clevises are formed to have an inner surface for supporting the pin. A method of forming a fan blade platform is also disclosed.