Instrument Lead Packing Assembly for Low-Torque Turbine Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrumentation lead connectors for gas turbine engines require high torque to achieve a reliable seal, which can lead to risk of lead damage and potential insulation failures, especially when multiple leads need to be sealed through large fittings.
Innovation Solution
A packing sub-assembly comprising three interlocking components that form an exterior inclined surface, allowing for a compact and low-torque sealing solution that eliminates continuous leak paths and accommodates potting material for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fittings with large torques are used to achieve high-pressure sealing capability, then sealing reliability is improved, but the risk of lead damage and insulation failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing is divided into multiple segmented pieces (first component, second component, third component) that interlock to form a complete annulus seal. This segmentation allows the seal to be achieved through distributed compression rather than concentrated high torque, reducing the risk of lead damage while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inclined surface dimension to the packing pieces, transforming the traditional radial compression approach into a combined radial and axial compression mechanism. The inclined surfaces convert torque into both radial and axial forces, achieving effective sealing with reduced torque requirements and minimizing lead stress.
2Reliability
If multiple seal pieces are used to create a complete annulus seal, then sealing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple packing pieces with inclined surfaces are combined and interlocked to form a unified sealing structure. The interlocking mechanism integrates the pieces into a single functional unit that achieves complete annulus sealing, maintaining reliability while managing complexity through systematic design.
3Reliability
If large fittings are used to seal multiple leads, then sealing capability is improved, but the area occupied and potential insulation failure areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packing is segmented into multiple pieces that can be interlocked in a compact arrangement, allowing effective sealing in a reduced area compared to traditional large fittings. This segmentation enables efficient space utilization while maintaining sealing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A packing sub-assembly for a fitting assembly for an instrumentation lead, including: a first component; a second component; and a third component, the first component, the second component and the third component each being configured to interlock with each other to define an opening that passes through the packing sub-assembly, and each defining a portion of the opening and having an open area adjacent to the portion that defines the opening and wherein the open area is sealed by an adjacent one of the first component, the second component and the third component when the first component, the second component and the third component are interlocked together.