Fan Disc Removal Tool for Turbine Engine Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools require complete disassembly of the turbomachine module to remove the fan disc, leading to reduced productivity during maintenance operations that only require fan disc replacement.
Innovation Solution
A specialized tool and method allowing the removal and reinstallation of the fan disc alone from a turbomachine module, utilizing a frame with an annular plate and supports to securely position and extract the fan disc without disassembling the rest of the module, using indexing fingers and extractors to manage screws and vanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing tools are used to remove the fan disc, then the fan disc can be removed, but the entire module must be disassembled first which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the maintenance operation into two independent parts: removing only the fan disc versus disassembling the entire module. The specialized tool enables isolated removal of the fan disc by providing specific extraction mechanisms that engage only with the fan disc and its mounting screws, leaving the rest of the module assembled. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary disassembly steps and significantly improves maintenance productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fan disc removal operation from the complete module disassembly process. The tool is designed to access and remove the fan disc through the existing module structure without requiring removal of surrounding components. The extraction mechanism directly engages the fan disc mounting screws and pulls the fan disc out while the module remains assembled, effectively taking out only the necessary component for maintenance.
2Productivity
If existing tools are used, then complete module disassembly is possible, but time is lost due to unnecessary disassembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares the extraction mechanism in advance with pre-positioned engagement elements that align with the fan disc mounting screws. The tool includes pre-configured extraction arms and bearing surfaces that are ready to engage the fan disc immediately when positioned, eliminating the need for sequential disassembly steps. This preliminary preparation of the extraction system enables direct removal of the fan disc without time-consuming intermediate disassembly operations.
3Productivity
If the fan disc is removed alone, then productivity increases, but risk of damaging other components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces intermediary elements between the extraction force and the fan disc mounting screws. These intermediaries include hardened bearing surfaces on the extraction arms and protective bearing surfaces on the module structure that distribute and control the extraction forces. The intermediaries prevent direct contact between the extraction mechanism and sensitive components, reducing the risk of damage while enabling isolated fan disc removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides beforehand protection by positioning bearing surfaces and protective elements in advance at critical locations where damage could occur during extraction. The bearing surfaces are pre-positioned to contact the fan disc mounting screws and distribute extraction forces, preventing damage to the screws and retaining members before the extraction process begins. This prior cushioning ensures safe isolated removal without damaging other components.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for removing a fan disc from a module of a turbine engine including a rotor and a stator, the rotor including the fan disc, a drum and a sealing part secured to one another via bolts each including a screw and a nut, each screw passing through a retaining member having at least two lugs arranged around a head of the screw, the stator being delimited by a straightener having a flange, the tool including a frame; a plate including pins and two holes, each of the pins being configured to support the head of a screw, each hole being configured to receive an indexing finger; at least three supports including bearing surfaces configured to support the flange of the straightener; a visual marker configured to angularly orient the module with respect to the tool.