Sliding Lock Ring Assembly for Releasable Engine Nosecones
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for locking and removing spinners and nosecones from gas turbine engines often require specialized hardware that can be permanently deformed, leading to delays and inventory challenges when replacement is needed, and ad-hoc modifications using bolts introduce assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine assembly featuring a spinner or nosecone with a threaded rear portion connected to an engine structure, a lock ring that slides between engaging and disengaging positions to secure or release the spinner/nosecone, and a biasing member like a spring to maintain engagement, allowing for secure locking and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock connector with specialized hardware is used to permanently lock the spinner/nosecone, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates and replacement delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed to transition between a locked position (blocking removal) and an unlocked position (allowing removal). The biasing member provides automatic engagement, while manual actuation enables controlled disengagement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the connector permanently reliable during operation but easily removable when needed.
2Strength
If a permanently deformed lock connector is used, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to destruction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed as a reusable component that can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged without permanent deformation or destruction. Unlike traditional single-use lock connectors that require destruction and replacement, this lock ring maintains its structural integrity through multiple cycles, eliminating the need for inventory management and specialized replacement procedures.
3Reliability
If specialized lock hardware is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides locking engagement through the groove-boss interface, maintains constant engagement force via the biasing member, and enables controlled disengagement through manual actuation. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate specialized hardware components while maintaining reliable locking.
4Ease of manufacture
If ad-hoc bolt modifications are used to avoid assembly issues, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to assembly issues
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically engages the lock ring with the spinner/nosecone boss, ensuring proper assembly without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The self-actuating mechanism eliminates assembly issues associated with ad-hoc bolt modifications while maintaining ease of manufacture through straightforward component design.
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
Enables secure locking and easy removal of spinners or nosecones without the need for specialized hardware, reducing delays and inventory requirements, and maintaining assembly integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A gas turbine engine assembly featuring a spinner or nosecone with a threaded rear portion connected to an engine structure, a lock ring that slides between engaging and disengaging positions to secure or release the spinner/nosecone, and a biasing member like a spring to maintain engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Disclosed is an assembly for a gas turbine engine, the assembly includes: a spinner (102) or nosecone comprising a threaded rear portion (110), an engine structure (104) comprising a threaded front portion (112), the nosecone being threadingly connected to the engine structure (104), wherein rotation of the spinner (102) or nosecone about the engine structure (104) in a first direction secures the spinner (102) or nosecone to the engine structure (104) and rotation of the spinner (102) or nosecone about the engine structure (104) in a second direction releases the spinner (102) or nosecone from the engine structure (104); and a lock ring (114) slidingly connected to the engine structure (104) to slide between: a forward position to engage the spinner (102) or nosecone and block rotation of the spinner (102) or nosecone in the second direction, and a rearward position, where the lock ring (114) is spaced from the spinner (102) or nosecone.