Modular Rotating Machine Blade With Coffered Median Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blades for large-sized rotating machines are prone to vibration-induced fatigue, complex and costly to maintain, and sensitive to impact damage, with composite materials being vulnerable and difficult to replace.
Innovation Solution
A modular blade design featuring a rigid median module with a coffer structure formed by welding metal side panels, combined with upstream and downstream modules, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced weld stress, using distinct materials for optimal rigidity and weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If composite materials are used for large-sized blades, then mechanical resistance and low density are improved, but implementation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple independent modules (leading edge module, median module, trailing edge module) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall implementation complexity while maintaining the mechanical resistance benefits of composite materials.
2Strength
If composite materials are used for large-sized blades, then mechanical resistance is improved, but maintenance cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the blade into modular sections, the patent enables independent maintenance and replacement of damaged modules without requiring replacement of the entire blade. This significantly reduces maintenance difficulty and cost while preserving the mechanical resistance advantages of composite materials in the remaining structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows damaged modules to be discarded or replaced independently while recovering and retaining the intact modules. This approach reduces overall maintenance cost and effort by only replacing the necessary portions rather than the entire blade structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional blade construction is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but vibration resistance and fatigue life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into multiple modules connected by joints that are specifically designed to accommodate and dampen vibrations. This segmentation allows each module to move slightly independently, reducing stress concentration and fatigue accumulation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the modular construction, which inherently provide better fatigue resistance and vibration damping characteristics compared to traditional homogeneous materials. The composite structure allows for optimized fiber placement to withstand cyclic loading and vibrational stresses.
4Ease of repair
If modular construction is implemented, then maintenance ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into a limited number of standardized modules (leading edge, median, trailing edge) with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation simplifies maintenance procedures while controlling construction complexity through standardization and repetition of proven connection designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design employs universal connection interfaces and standardized joining mechanisms that can be applied across all modules. This universality reduces the complexity of modular construction by using the same connection technology repeatedly rather than designing unique joints for each module interface.
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 modular blade construction enhances robustness, reduces fatigue sensitivity, and simplifies maintenance by allowing easy replacement of peripheral modules, while maintaining a high natural resonance frequency and reduced mass, thus improving the longevity and cost-effectiveness of rotating machines.
Implementation Method 1
the side panels being connected by at least one weld executed on an internal protuberance set back from the intrados and extrados of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a blade (1) designed to be fitted to the rotor of a rotating machine, said blade being characterized in that it exhibits a modular construction including: a rigid, median module (4) formed by a coffer (12), which is itself formed by joining two side panels (13, 14) that are connected to one another by at least one side rail (15), the side panels (13, 14) being connected by at least one weld executed on an internal protuberance on the said side panels that is set back from the intrados (11) and the extrados (1 E) of the blade (1), an upstream module (7) forming a leading edge and added onto the upstream portion of the median module, a downstream module (8) forming a trailing edge and added onto the downstream portion of the median module. Blades for rotating machines and corresponding fabrication methods.