Non-Circular Slider Seal Assembly for Lower Pressure Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal interfaces in gas turbine engines face challenges in reducing forces on internal components, leading to potential damage and inefficiency due to high pressure differentials.
Innovation Solution
A slider seal assembly with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry for the slider seal puck and washer, which reduces the surface area exposed to pressure, mitigating the outward force and minimizing leakage, while being adaptable to thermal expansion through sliding motions and secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a circular cross-sectional geometry is used for the slider seal puck, then the seal interface is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surface area exposed to pressure is larger, resulting in higher forces on internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the slider seal puck from a conventional circular cross-section to a non-circular cross-section (such as rectangular or square). This asymmetric geometric change reduces the surface area exposed to pressure differentials, thereby reducing the outward force on internal components while maintaining the sealing function.
2Reliability
If the slider seal puck is rigidly fixed, then the seal position is stable, but thermal expansion cannot be accommodated, leading to potential seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a rigidly fixed seal to a sliding seal mechanism. The slider seal puck is configured to slide within a seal housing along a sliding path, allowing dynamic adjustment and movement. This enables the seal to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining reliable sealing, thus improving both durability and adaptability.
3Force
If a non-circular cross-sectional geometry is used for the slider seal puck, then the surface area exposed to pressure is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the slider seal puck from a conventional circular cross-section to a non-circular cross-section (such as rectangular or square). This asymmetric geometric change reduces the surface area exposed to pressure differentials, thereby reducing the outward force on internal components while maintaining the sealing function.
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 assembly effectively reduces the force exerted on fluid conduits and components, enhancing the seal's durability and efficiency by minimizing the pressure's impact and accommodating thermal growth, thus improving the overall performance and longevity of the turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
reduces the surface area exposed to pressure, mitigating the outward force
Implementation Method 2
The outer puck surface is configured to slide along the inner washer surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly is provided that includes a slider seal (30) having a washer (64) and a tubular puck (66). The washer (64) includes an inner washer surface (84) and an outer washer surface. The inner washer surface (84) extends around an axis (42) of the slider seal (30) and has a non-circular cross-sectional geometry. The inner washer surface (84) forms a washer bore axially through the washer (64). The outer washer surface extends around the axis (42) and has a cross-sectional geometry with a shape that is different than a shape of the non-circular cross-sectional geometry. The tubular puck (66) projects axially through the washer bore and includes an outer puck surface (106). The outer puck surface (106) extends around the axis (42). The outer puck surface (106) is sealingly engaged with and configured to slide axially along the inner washer surface (84).