Magnetic Shim Alignment Tool for Fan Casing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines face challenges in accurately positioning impact liner panels on complex or non-uniform fan casings to achieve optimal bond-line with adhesive layers, requiring precise axial adjustment during assembly.

Innovation Solution

An alignment tool with a magnetically retained shim system, comprising an attachment portion for the fan casing and a support surface with an embedded magnet, allows for precise positioning and adjustment of impact liner panels by using shims of varying thicknesses to ensure accurate axial alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional mechanical alignment methods are used to position impact liner panels on fan casings, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment systems with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets embedded in the fan casing interact with magnetic shims attached to the impact liner panels, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment tools and procedures while achieving precise axial positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter used for alignment from mechanical contact to magnetic attraction. By varying the strength and distribution of magnetic fields through strategically placed magnets, the system achieves precise control over panel positioning without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If complex alignment tools and procedures are implemented to achieve precise axial positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial positioning accuracyVSAvoidalignment tool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates complex mechanical alignment tools by substituting them with a magnetic positioning system. The magnets embedded in the fan casing and magnetic shims on the panels create a self-aligning system that requires no additional alignment equipment or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic positioning system is self-aligning through the natural interaction between magnetic fields. The impact liner panels automatically position themselves axially correct through magnetic attraction to the shims, eliminating the need for operator intervention or complex alignment tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple alignment adjustments are made during assembly to achieve optimal bond-line, then bonding quality improves, but the number of operations and consumables increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond-line qualityVSAvoidnumber of operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic shims are pre-positioned on the impact liner panels before assembly, establishing the correct axial position in advance. This preliminary magnetic positioning ensures that when the panel is installed, it is already at the optimal position for bonding, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment operations during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic positioning system replaces multiple mechanical adjustment operations with a single magnetic attraction action. The magnets and magnetic shims automatically maintain the optimal bond-line distance without requiring repeated measurements and adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic shim system enables quick and precise adjustment of impact liner panels, ensuring correct axial positioning and a strong bond-line with the fan casing, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the need for additional adhesives or consumables.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet to magnetically retain a shim on the support surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic retention: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11346254B2Alignment tool

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 ROLLS ROYCE PLC

AI summary

There is disclosed an alignment tool for positioning an impact liner panel on a fan casing. The alignment tool comprises an attachment portion for attaching to the fan casing, a support surface for receiving a shim, and a magnet to magnetically retain a shim on the support surface. There is also disclose a tool kit for manufacturing a fan casing having an alignment tool and a shim. There is also disclosed a method of positioning an impact liner panel on a fan casing. It comprises attaching an alignment tool to the fan casing, magnetically retaining a shim on a support surface of the alignment tool; and positioning the impact liner panel against an abutment surface of the shim.