Flanged Spring Guide Geometry for Gas Turbine Seal Spring Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine engine seal assemblies require multiple types of coil springs with different compression forces, increasing design time and costs due to the need for various spring designs to meet spring load requirements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a flanged spring guide with specific dimensions allows for additional compression of coil springs, enabling more design flexibility and cost savings by altering the flange width without changing the coil spring, thereby accommodating various spring loads with a single type of coil spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of coil springs with different compression forces are used to meet spring load requirements, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity and design time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring guide (flange width, body dimensions) rather than changing the spring itself. By varying the flange width parameter, different compression forces are achieved on the same coil spring, allowing multiple spring load requirements to be met with a single spring type. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining sealing performance while reducing the number of spring types needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring guide acts as an intermediary element between the coil spring and the seal assembly. It modifies the spring's compression force through its geometric design (flange width, body dimensions) before the spring applies force to the seal. This intermediary structure allows a single spring type to provide multiple different compression forces, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
2Reliability
If multiple types of coil springs with different compression forces are used to meet spring load requirements, then the sealing performance is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing multiple types of coil springs with different specifications, the patent changes the geometric parameters of the spring guide (flange width, body dimensions) to achieve different compression forces. This approach reduces manufacturing costs by standardizing the coil spring production while varying only the spring guide dimensions, which are easier and less costly to manufacture in multiple variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring guide serves as a cost-effective intermediary that absorbs the manufacturing complexity. By placing the geometric variation in the spring guide rather than in the coil spring, the patent reduces overall manufacturing costs. The spring guide can be easily manufactured in different flange widths using standard machining processes, while the coil springs can be produced in large quantities with consistent specifications.
3Force
If the flange width of the spring guide is increased, then additional compression of the coil spring is enabled, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the force multiplication function in the flange region of the spring guide. The flange width is specifically optimized to provide the necessary additional compression force, while other parts of the spring guide maintain compact dimensions. This allows increased compression force to be achieved locally without proportionally increasing the overall size of the entire spring guide assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the flange width dimension as an additional degree of freedom to control spring compression force. By varying the flange width parameter independently from the main body dimensions, the patent can adjust compression force without necessarily increasing the overall height or length of the spring guide. This dimensional independence allows force adjustment while managing spatial constraints.
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
This solution reduces design time and costs by providing a seal assembly that can meet spring load requirements with a single type of coil spring, offering more design flexibility and reducing the need for multiple spring types.
Implementation Method 1
coil springs rest against a seal housing and compress (or bias axially) the mechanical face seal against the rotating seal seat
Implementation Method 2
The flanged spring guide receives a coil spring and provides additional compression of the coil spring in an axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A spring guide for use in a seal housing including a first body portion, a second body portion, and a flange portion, including a flange width, extending circumferentially between the first body portion and the second body portion. The flange width being less than or equal to approximately 2.1 millimeters.