Resilient Securing Posts for Fuel Nozzle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injector mounting systems in turbine engines often suffer from misalignment, leading to biased airflow, ignition problems, and combustor distress due to asymmetrical gaps between the spray tip and the floating grommet, which complicates installation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel nozzle mounting system featuring bosses and securing posts arranged in a rotationally asymmetric pattern, allowing for resilient engagement and precise alignment, reducing the need for multiple seals and bolts, and enabling internal engine case installation with a reduced number of penetrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional bolted mounting with floating grommet is used, then installation is possible, but misalignment occurs creating asymmetrical gaps between spray tip and grommet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bolted mounting system with a resilient securing post system that uses elastic deformation to achieve automatic alignment. The securing posts deflect to accommodate the nozzle during installation and then resiliently secure it in the correct position, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and multiple fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the securing posts from rigid to resilient by selecting materials and designs that allow elastic deformation. This parameter change enables the posts to deflect during installation and then return to their original position to secure the nozzle with precise alignment, eliminating asymmetrical gaps.
2Productivity
If multiple seals and bolts are used for mounting, then sealing is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (sealing, securing, and alignment) into a single integrated securing post system. The resilient posts perform all these functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate seals, bolts, and alignment fixtures, thereby reducing component count and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing posts are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide sealing through their resilient contact with the nozzle, secure the nozzle in place through their deflection and retention mechanism, and ensure proper alignment through their elastic deformation during installation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting with floating grommet is used, then installation is possible, but rotational misalignment occurs causing biased airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the floating grommet mechanical system with a resilient securing post system that actively maintains rotational alignment. The posts deflect during installation to allow the nozzle to assume its correct rotational position, then resiliently secure it there, preventing biased airflow and ensuring reliable combustor performance.
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 simplifies and accelerates the installation of fuel nozzles, reduces errors and costs, maintains nozzle centering, and supports larger nozzle counts, such as 60 or more, by eliminating the need for additional hardware and minimizing alignment frustrations.
Implementation Method 1
The deflecting portion can be dimensioned to permit a predetermined degree of elastic deformation based on the material from which it is formed
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for mounting a fuel nozzle (210) in a turbine engine includes a fuel nozzle (210) having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom, and a plurality of securing posts (227a-c) arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in the turbine engine, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts (227a-c) being adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss.