Fan Retention Member for Compact Blade Platform Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines operating at higher fan speeds face challenges due to increased fan radius ratios necessitated by mechanical limitations and platform packaging requirements, which affect efficiency and stress on blade platforms.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of fan retention members that support blade platforms relative to the disk, reducing platform packaging and eliminating the need for aft support, thereby lowering the fan radius ratio and enhancing engine efficiency and reducing stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fan speed is increased to improve efficiency, then engine efficiency is improved, but fan radius ratio increases due to mechanical limitations and platform packaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fan retention member extends in the axial direction (another dimension) rather than requiring radial space, allowing platform support without increasing fan radius ratio. This dimensional shift enables compact radial packaging while maintaining structural support for blade platforms at higher fan speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The fan retention member acts as an intermediary component between the disk and blade platforms, providing the necessary support function without requiring direct disk-platform connection that would consume radial space. This mediator enables platform packaging in a compact configuration
2Strength
If traditional platform support structures are used, then blade platforms are supported, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan retention member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports blade platforms, defines the hub radius, and provides structural attachment points. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing assembly complexity and part count while maintaining platform support strength
Solution Approach 2:
The fan retention member combines multiple structural elements into a single integrated component that performs both support and positioning functions. By merging these functions into one element rather than using separate components, the design reduces overall complexity and weight
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly includes a disk having a disk forward surface, a disk aft surface, and a radially outer surface. The disk defines a plurality of disk posts and a plurality of disk slots in the radially outer surface. At least one of the plurality of disk posts includes a post slot. The fan assembly also includes a fan having a plurality of fan blades and a plurality of platforms extending between adjacent fan blades of the plurality of fan blades. Each of the plurality of fan blades is received within one of the plurality of disk slots via a respective blade root. Further, the fan assembly includes at least one fan retention member having a body portion and a protrusion extending from the body portion. The protrusion is received within the post slot such that the at least one fan retention member supports one of the plurality of platforms.