Integral-Clip Split-Ring Seal for Thermal Expansion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard full-loop W-seals in gas turbine engines are prone to pinching during assembly and buckling due to thermal expansion, which affects their reliability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ply split-ring seal assembly with integral clip portions and optional heat shield, featuring circumferentially separated ends and laterally separated edges, which allows for slidable expansion and improved rigidity, reducing the likelihood of pinching and buckling by providing a secure assembly and thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard full-loop W-seal is used, then the seal can be installed between two static components, but it is prone to pinching during assembly and buckling during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple segments or lobes (typically three sealing lobes) separated by gaps, allowing each segment to independently accommodate thermal expansion and assembly variations without pinching or buckling the entire seal loop
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple seal assemblies are nested within each other, with inner seals positioned within outer seals, creating a multi-ply configuration that provides redundant sealing and distributes thermal and mechanical stresses across multiple layers
2Reliability
If a multi-ply split-ring seal assembly is used, then pinching and buckling are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated components: the split-ring seal, clip portions, and heat shield are assembled as a unified multi-ply unit, reducing the number of separate assembly steps and simplifying installation despite the increased internal complexity of the seal structure
3Strength
If the seal is made more rigid to prevent buckling, then thermal expansion accommodation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure incorporates dynamic characteristics through its split-ring design with gaps that allow the seal to flex and adapt during thermal expansion, while the multi-ply configuration and clip portions provide the necessary rigidity to prevent buckling under operational loads
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
The multi-ply split-ring seal assembly enhances assembly reliability, reduces buckling due to thermal expansion, and increases the seal's lifetime by maintaining a tight fit and reducing heat transfer across the seal.
Implementation Method 1
buckling due to thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
compressing a portion of each ply of the multi-ply seal between the first component and a second component
Implementation Method 3
reducing heat transfer across the seal
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes first and second split-ring seals. The first split-ring seal includes circumferentially separated first and second ends, laterally separated first and second edges, a first sealing lobe adjacent the first edge, and a first integral clip portion adjacent the second edge. The first sealing lobe has a curved surface extending laterally outward from the first edge. The second split-ring seal is slidably received and nested in the first seal. The second split-ring seal includes circumferentially separated third and fourth ends and laterally separated third and fourth edges.