Turbine Nose Cone Assembly Fastener Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nose cone mounting configurations for turbine machines are weight-intensive and complex, requiring numerous bolts and a support ring, which increases the overall weight and complicates the coupling process, especially in small turbofan engines with limited space for balance weights.
Innovation Solution
A nose cone assembly featuring flexible spring flanges and bayonet flanges that provide axial and radial forces for secure coupling to a hub without the need for a support ring, reducing the number of fasteners and simplifying the assembly process by using a snap fit configuration or fewer bolts, and incorporating apertures for balancing weights to ensure even mass distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support ring and multiple bolts are used to mount the nose cone, then the structural integrity and reliability are improved, but the weight of the turbine machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the support ring from the mounting assembly, extracting this heavy component while maintaining structural integrity through alternative means (direct bolting of nose cone to hub). This extraction eliminates unnecessary weight while preserving the essential mounting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete bolt connections distributed around the nose cone base, allowing for optimized placement and reduction of total fastener count while maintaining structural reliability through strategic positioning of fewer, stronger fasteners.
2Reliability
If multiple bolts and a support ring are used to secure the nose cone, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is extracted from the mounting assembly, significantly simplifying the device structure. The nose cone is mounted directly to the hub using fewer fasteners, eliminating the intermediate support ring component and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into discrete, simplified bolt connections positioned at critical locations around the nose cone base, replacing the complex continuous support ring structure with targeted, segmented fastening points that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Strength
If the trailing edge of the nose cone is reinforced with increased thickness, then the strength to accommodate bolts is improved, but the weight of the nose cone increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire nose cone trailing edge, the patent applies reinforcement only at the specific localized areas where fasteners are positioned. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary strength for bolt attachment while minimizing additional weight compared to uniform thickening.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose cone trailing edge design incorporates dynamic considerations for weight optimization, using variable thickness distribution that provides maximum strength only where mechanically necessary (at fastener locations) while reducing material in non-critical areas to minimize weight.
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 solution significantly reduces the weight and complexity of the nose cone assembly, enhances ease of assembly, and maintains structural integrity under operating loads, including bird strikes, by eliminating the need for a support ring and minimizing the number of fasteners, thereby improving turbine efficiency and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
flexible spring flanges and bayonet flanges that provide axial and radial forces for secure coupling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
A system and method of coupling a nose cone (110) to a turbine machine is provided. Nose cone assembly weight and coupling difficulty are each reduced by eliminating the number of bolts used to mount the nose cone to the turbine machine, as well as the support or retaining ring. The disclosed nose cone comprises a plurality of hub mounting elements (130) including one or more flexible spring flanges (131), one or more bayonet flanges (132), and one or more pilot flanges (133), each configured to engage a respective portion of the turbine machine.