Gas Turbine Filter Frame Keying for Correct Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration systems for gas turbine engines face issues with incorrect filter orientation and the use of unsuitable filters, leading to reduced performance and lifespan due to improper installation and air bypass, which can cause damage to compressor components.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with a rectangular holding frame and clamping assembly featuring positioning notches and key edges that ensure correct filter orientation and compatibility, preventing incorrect or unauthorized filter installation through a unique keying configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If square holding frames are used for filter installation, then the filters can be installed in the holding frame, but the filters may be installed in the wrong orientation (horizontal instead of vertical pleats)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing key edges on the filter frame that must align with corresponding keyways in the holding frame. This asymmetric configuration prevents the filter from being installed in incorrect orientations, as the keys will only fit in the correct rotational position, ensuring vertical pleat orientation for proper drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses key edges and keyways as intermediary elements between the filter frame and holding frame. These intermediary features act as mechanical guides that ensure proper alignment and orientation during installation, preventing incorrect placement while maintaining ease of installation through simple alignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If open tolerances are used in filter holding frames, then the frames can be manufactured with standard tolerances, but the filter element may be installed in a position that is not well-centered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating positioning keys and keyways during the manufacturing stage. These features are built into the design beforehand to guide the filter element into the correct centered position during installation, eliminating the need for tight manufacturing tolerances while ensuring precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning keys and keyways serve as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between standard manufacturing tolerances and precise filter positioning. These features guide the filter element into proper alignment during installation, ensuring centered placement without requiring high-precision manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If standard square frames are used without orientation features, then the filters can be easily installed, but unsuitable or unauthorized filters may be installed with different efficiency or particle size ratings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric key edges with specific dimensions and configurations that are unique to each filter specification. This ensures that only the correct filter type with the proper efficiency and particle size ratings can be installed, as mismatched filters will not have compatible key configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing specific key edge configurations at particular locations on the filter frame perimeter. These localized features are tailored to match specific filter specifications, ensuring that only authorized filters with the correct properties can be installed while maintaining ease of installation through simple key-way alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filtration system for a gas turbine engine is provided. The filtration system may include a holding frame with a positioning element extending therefrom and a filter element for mounting within the holding frame. The frame of the filter element may include a positioning slot therein such that the positioning element extends into the positioning slot when the filter element is mounted within the holding frame.