Locking Spacer Assembly for Gas Turbine Final-Slot Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines face challenges in securely fastening rotating blades in the final spacer slot of the rotor disk, leading to potential misalignment and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
A locking spacer assembly comprising a first and second side piece with recesses and a mid-piece with a dovetail shape, secured by a fastener, is used to fill the final spacer slot between adjacent rotating blades, allowing for secure assembly and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used in the final spacer slot, then installation is simpler, but security and alignment stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer assembly is divided into multiple segments: a mid-piece with dovetail shape, first and second side pieces with recesses, and a fastener. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the dovetail provides mechanical interlocking, the recesses accommodate the fastener, and the multi-part structure enables secure installation in the final spacer slot where traditional methods fail
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is nested within the mid-piece structure, with the mid-piece disposed between the first and second side pieces. The head of the mid-piece is received within the recesses of the side pieces, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization and ensures proper alignment and securing of all components in the confined final spacer slot
2Manufacturing precision
If the locking spacer assembly is properly secured, then misalignment is prevented, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mid-piece features an asymmetric dovetail shape with specific angled surfaces that mate with corresponding features in the side pieces. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent alignment guidance, ensuring that the components can only be assembled in the correct orientation, thereby preventing misalignment while maintaining a relatively straightforward installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener acts as an intermediary element that connects the mid-piece to the side pieces. By engaging with the recesses and securing the dovetail structure, the fastener mediates the connection between components, ensuring precise alignment is maintained while allowing the assembly to be installed as a unified structure
3Reliability
If the head is completely below the outer surfaces, then assembly is easier, but locking security is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The design allows the head to transition from a recessed position during initial assembly to a flush position with the outer surfaces when the fastener is fully engaged. This dynamic positioning ensures that the head provides adequate locking security by engaging with the fastener while maintaining a clean external surface profile when properly assembled
Data Source
AI summary
A locking spacer assembly for filling a final spacer slot in a disk groove between platforms of adjacent rotating blades in a gas turbine engine includes a first side piece having a first outer surface, a second side piece having a second outer surface, a mid-piece disposed between and in contact with the first side piece and the second side piece. The mid-piece includes a base and a head. The base has a dovetail shape that engages with the first side piece and the second side piece. The head is flush with the first outer surface and the second outer surface. A fastener is partially disposed within the mid-piece and in contact with a surface of the disk groove.