Modular Fixture for Seized Rotor-Bolt Nut Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotor-bolt nuts and rotor bolts in turbomachine rotor shaft assemblies often become seized or frozen in place, making it difficult to remove them without damaging the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular fixture with annularly arranged arcuate plates and a vertical drill system, where the drill is connected to the arcuate plates and features a vertically adjustable drive shaft with a bit that engages the rotor-bolt nut, allowing for controlled removal by cutting or torquing the nut off the bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If excessive force is applied to remove seized rotor-bolt nuts, then the nuts can be removed, but the rotor shaft assembly may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized removal tool as an intermediary device between the seized nut and the assembly. This tool includes a holder that engages with the nut and a breaking mechanism that applies controlled force through a breaking element (such as a pin or wire) inserted into the nut's interior. The intermediary tool distributes and controls the removal force, preventing direct transmission of excessive force to the rotor shaft assembly while still enabling nut removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical removal methods (such as impact tools or excessive torque) with a controlled breaking mechanism. Instead of applying uncontrolled mechanical force from the outside, the system uses an internal breaking element that fractures or cuts the seized nut from within, substituting a controlled mechanical process for a potentially damaging one.
2Ease of operation
If traditional removal methods are used on seized rotor-bolt nuts, then removal may be achieved, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the removal action from the exterior and transfers it to the interior of the seized nut. By inserting a breaking element into the nut's interior and applying force through this internal element, the system bypasses the seized external threads and directly fractures the nut's body, significantly simplifying the removal process and reducing time compared to traditional external methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first inserting the breaking element into the nut's interior before applying the breaking force. This preliminary insertion step positions the breaking mechanism optimally within the nut, ensuring that subsequent force application will effectively fracture the nut without requiring difficult external maneuvers or excessive time.
3Reliability
If controlled force is applied to prevent assembly damage, then assembly safety is improved, but the removal process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the removal function into distinct components: a holder that engages the nut externally, a breaking element that inserts into the nut's interior, and a force application mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simplicity, while the overall system provides controlled force distribution. The modular nature of the segmented tool reduces complexity compared to a monolithic device that would need to incorporate all functions in a single complex structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a modular fixture for a rotor shaft assembly and a system for rotor-bolt nut removal. The modular fixture includes a plurality of arcuate plates that is annularly arranged about a common centerline. Each arcuate plate includes a plurality of jack legs that extends from and perpendicular to a bottom side surface of the respective arcuate plate of the plurality of arcuate plates. The system includes the modular fixture and a vertical drill. The vertical drill is connected to at least one arcuate plate of the plurality of arcuate plates. The vertical drill includes a vertically adjustable drive shaft and a bit that is connected to an end of the vertically adjustable drive shaft. In use, the bit cuts or turns a rotor-bolt nut or may core a rotor bolt of a rotor shaft assembly.