Gear Keyway Locating Device for Turbomachine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tool locating devices for turbomachine inlet guide vane assemblies face challenges in efficiently forming new keyways in gears with worn teeth, particularly when the gear is positioned in tight or awkward locations, requiring improved alignment and access for cutting tools.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool locating device comprising a base member, guide member, coupler member, and alignment puck, which securely positions a cutting tool to form new keyways in gears by aligning with existing keyway portions and allowing for leverage-assisted tool insertion, even in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cutting tool locating device is used to form openings in gears positioned in tight or awkward locations, then the precision of keyway formation is improved, but the complexity of the locating device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device is divided into separate modular components including a base member with guide blocks, a coupler member, and an alignment puck. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while simplifying the overall device structure and enabling easy assembly and disassembly for accessing tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment puck serves as an intermediary element between the cutting tool and the gear. It provides a precise reference surface that mediates the positioning process, ensuring accurate keyway formation without requiring the entire locating device to be complex.
2Measurement precision
If guide blocks are used to align the cutting tool with the gear, then the alignment precision is improved, but the time required for tool positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide blocks are pre-positioned in the base member at specific locations corresponding to the gear features. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during operation, as the cutting tool simply needs to be brought into alignment with the pre-established guide block positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide blocks automatically provide alignment guidance to the cutting tool through their physical geometry and positioning features. The system is self-aligning, where the guide blocks themselves perform the alignment function without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gear is rotated to access different tooth positions for keyway formation, then the versatility of the process is improved, but the difficulty of accessing tight locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device incorporates rotational capability around the gear axis, adding a rotational dimension to the positioning process. This allows the cutting tool to access different circumferential positions on the gear by rotating the entire locating device assembly, making it easier to reach tight locations without complex repositioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting tool locating device 40 for forming an opening in a gear includes a guide member 54 configured and disposed to be fixedly connected to the gear mounted to a shaft, and an alignment puck 62 moveably mounted to the guide member 54. The alignment puck 62 includes a bushing 174 configured and disposed to align with a recess formed in the shaft.