Modular Silencer Baffle Assembly for Gas Turbine Noise and Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Noise and vibration caused by intake air moving through air ducts in gas turbine engines are not effectively mitigated by existing silencers, leading to undesirable engine vibration.

Innovation Solution

A silencer baffle system comprising modular baffle sections with lockable coupling structures and sound absorption materials, where baffle sections are aligned in rows and columns within the air duct, stabilized by rods, and secured via mounting interfaces to reduce noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing silencers are used to reduce noise and vibration from intake air, then noise attenuation is achieved, but the vibration is not effectively mitigated and engine vibration remains undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and vibrationVSAvoidvibration mitigation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer is divided into multiple modular baffle sections that can be independently assembled and configured. Each section contains sound absorption material and can be locked to adjacent sections, allowing the system to be optimized for both noise attenuation and vibration reduction while maintaining flexibility in installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a modular baffle system with lockable coupling structures is used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassemblyVSAvoidcoupling structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle system is segmented into modular sections with standardized lockable coupling structures. Each section can be independently assembled and then locked to adjacent sections, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex fastening mechanisms throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lockable coupling structures integrate multiple functions: mechanical connection between sections, alignment guidance, and secure locking all in a single integrated feature. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If baffle sections are aligned in rows and columns with stabilizing rods, then structural stability and noise attenuation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebaffle section alignmentVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle system is divided into standardized sections that can be manufactured independently using consistent processes. Each section includes integrated features for alignment and stabilization, allowing modular assembly that simplifies the overall manufacturing process while ensuring stable configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The baffle sections are designed with universal features including standardized coupling interfaces, integrated alignment elements, and configurable sound absorption material. These multi-functional design elements reduce manufacturing complexity by using the same basic components and processes across all sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 silencer baffle system significantly reduces noise and vibration in gas turbine engines by utilizing modular baffle sections with sound absorption materials and stabilizing rods, enhancing the aerodynamic shape and noise attenuation within the air duct.

Implementation Method 1

sound absorption materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

sound absorption materials... to reduce noise and vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3296527B1Method for installing and removing modularized silencer baffles
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3296527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3296527B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6
  • EP3296527B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method includes assembling a silencer baffle (28) configured to mount in a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, where assembling the silencer baffle (28) includes coupling together a plurality of baffle sections (36) via mating interlock structures (42).