Magnetic Side Seals for Aft Frame Thermal Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing assemblies in gas turbine engines face durability issues due to high temperatures and thermal expansion, leading to misalignment and incomplete seals, which reduces their lifespan and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement that includes magnets to hold a side seal in place across the circumferential gap between aft frames, allowing for self-alignment and improved durability by using radially outer and inner magnets to maintain the seal's position during thermal and vibrational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing assemblies are used in high temperature combustion gas environments, then the sealing function is provided, but the durability and lifespan of the sealing assembly is reduced due to thermal damage and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retention systems (clips, fasteners, or interference fits) with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the aft frame engage with ferromagnetic material in the side seal, providing a non-contact or minimal-contact retention mechanism that reduces mechanical stress and thermal damage to the sealing components while maintaining secure attachment in high-temperature combustion gas environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the magnetic properties of materials and the magnetic field strength as controllable parameters to maintain sealing effectiveness across varying temperature conditions. By adjusting magnet strength and positioning, the system compensates for thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining reliable sealing without mechanical contact that would suffer from thermal damage
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid sealing assemblies are used to maintain seal position, then alignment is improved, but thermal expansion and vibrational movement cause misalignment and decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, rigid sealing system to a dynamic system where the magnetic field continuously adapts to maintain engagement. The magnetic retention system allows the side seal to move slightly with thermal expansion and vibration while maintaining secure attachment, accommodating dynamic changes in the combustion chamber environment without losing alignment or connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accounts for thermal expansion by using the magnetic field's flexibility to accommodate dimensional changes in the side seal and aft frame. The magnetic engagement maintains connection even as components expand or contract due to temperature variations, preventing misalignment and decoupling that would occur with rigid mechanical retention systems
3Reliability
If magnets are added to the sealing assembly, then durability and alignment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function and sealing function into a single integrated system. The magnets are embedded within the aft frame structure, and the side seal incorporates ferromagnetic material as part of its construction, combining multiple functions (retention, sealing, and alignment) into unified components rather than separate assemblies, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding magnetic elements
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 sealing arrangement enhances the durability and alignment of the sealing assembly, preventing combustion gas dilution and extending the lifespan of the sealing components by maintaining a consistent seal despite thermal and vibrational changes.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing arrangement is provided which includes a first aft frame and a second aft frame neighboring one another... A side seal extends across the circumferential gap. The side seal includes one or more magnets. The side seal is at least partially held in place by the one or more magnets.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing arrangement (200) includes a first aft frame (100) and a second aft frame (101) neighboring one another. The first aft frame (100) and the second aft frame (101) each include an inner portion (102) and an outer portion (104). The outer portion (104) radially separated from the inner portion (102). The first aft frame (100) and the second aft frame (101) further include a first side portion (106) and a second side portion (108) that each extend radially between the inner portion (102) and the outer portion (104). A circumferential gap (112) is defined between the first side portion (106) of the first aft frame (100) and the second side portion (108) of the second aft frame (101). The sealing arrangement (200) further includes a side seal (118) that extends across the circumferential gap (112). The side seal (118) includes one or more magnets. The side seal (118) is at least partially held in place by the one or more magnets.