Leaf Spring Sealing Assembly to Prevent Gas Turbine Seal Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbines face challenges in preventing the inflow and outflow of gases due to the detachment of leaf springs from sealing members during assembly or operation, leading to reduced sealing performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring design with a curved body section, locking protrusions, and detachment-prevention protrusions is inserted between sealing members to ensure secure assembly and maintain sealing integrity under compressive forces, preventing detachment during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple leaf spring structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of sealing is worsened due to detachment during assembly or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring is segmented into functional zones: a locking protrusion at one end for engagement with the sealing member groove, and a detachment-prevention protrusion at the other end for preventing reverse movement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion is pre-configured to engage with the groove of the sealing member before operation begins, ensuring immediate sealing reliability. The detachment-prevention protrusion is pre-positioned to contact the mating sealing member, preventing future detachment during assembly or operation.
2Reliability
If the leaf spring is made secure against detachment, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional protrusions and grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and detachment-prevention functions are merged into a single leaf spring component rather than using separate fastening elements. The locking protrusion and detachment-prevention protrusion are both integrally formed on the same leaf spring body, reducing the total number of parts while achieving dual security functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing contact, maintains positioning through the locking protrusion, and prevents detachment via the detachment-prevention protrusion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and fastening components.
3Strength
If the leaf spring body is curved to withstand compression, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring body is formed with a curved cross-sectional shape that naturally resists compressive forces from the sealing members. This curvature distributes stress more evenly across the structure, enhancing strength while using standard manufacturing capabilities to produce the curved form.
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
Enhances sealing performance between gas turbine components, improving overall efficiency by maintaining the leaf spring's position and preventing gas leakage.
Implementation Method 1
when the body section is compressed by the sealing member and the mating sealing member
Implementation Method 2
a locking protrusion protruding in one direction (first direction) at an end of the body section to be inserted into the locking groove of the sealing member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A leaf spring inserted between a sealing member installed between various components of a gas turbine to prevent an inflow and outflow of gases and a mating sealing member, and a sealing assembly including the same are proposed. The leaf spring includes a curved body section, a locking protrusion protruding in one direction at an end of the body section so as to be fitted into the locking groove of the sealing member, and a detachment-prevention protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the locking protrusion and configured to comes into contact with one surface of the mating sealing member and prevent the locking protrusion from being detached from the locking groove when the body section is compressed by the sealing member and the mating sealing member.