Internal Retaining Ring Centrifugal Expansion for Thermal Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining ring arrangements in rotor assemblies face challenges in maintaining effective axial retention and thermal growth compensation, particularly under varying engine operating conditions such as rotation speeds and thermal expansions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an internal retaining ring with a split ring body and integrated centrifugal weights, which expands radially under centrifugal force to compensate for thermal growth differences between the rotor component and the retaining ring, ensuring proper engagement and axial retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional retaining ring is used without centrifugal weights, then the structure is simple, but the thermal growth compensation is insufficient causing axial free play and retention failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single retaining ring component: axial retention, thermal growth compensation, and centrifugal expansion activation. The retaining ring integrates centrifugal weights and beveled surfaces that work together to compensate for thermal growth differences between the rotor component and the ring itself, eliminating the need for separate compensation mechanisms while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes through centrifugal expansion. The retaining ring is designed to expand radially outward when subjected to centrifugal forces during rotation, with the expansion magnitude calibrated to match thermal growth differences. This dynamic parameter change allows the ring to maintain proper engagement and axial retention under varying operating conditions
2Strength
If the retaining ring is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but adaptability to thermal growth differences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the retaining ring from a static component to a dynamic one that adapts to operating conditions. The ring incorporates centrifugal weights and is designed with controlled flexibility, allowing it to expand radially outward when subjected to centrifugal forces during rotation. This dynamic behavior enables the ring to compensate for thermal growth differences while maintaining structural integrity through its calibrated expansion characteristics
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 effectively compensates for thermal growth differences, maintains proper engagement of the retaining ring in its groove, and reduces the risk of axial free play and key washer vibrations, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the rotor assembly.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugal weights calibrated to cause a centrifugal expansion of the internal retaining ring to compensate for a thermal growth difference between the second rotor component and the internal retaining ring during operation of the gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
the radially outer beveled edge in sliding contact with a corresponding beveled edge of the groove of the second rotor component
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor assembly comprises an internal snap ring seated in a groove defined in an inner diameter surface of a rotor component. The snap ring has centrifugal weights to centrifugally expand enough to compensate for a difference in thermal growth between the rotor component and the snap ring.