Resilient Baffle for Gas Turbine Nosecone Bolt Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine nosecones require access for maintenance without fasteners extending into the flowpath, posing challenges for both tool access and aerodynamic sealing.
Innovation Solution
A resilient baffle with an elongate extension, flange portion, and access opening, featuring scallops for controlled stiffness, allows tool access while maintaining aerodynamic sealing by deflecting minimally to accommodate tools and returning to seal the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resilient baffle with access opening is used to allow tool access for bolt maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but aerodynamic sealing is worsened due to potential leakage through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed as a resilient, deflectable structure that dynamically adjusts its configuration. During maintenance operations, the baffle deflects to allow tool access through the opening. During normal operation, the baffle returns to its sealed position to prevent aerodynamic leakage, thus adapting its state based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness of the baffle is carefully controlled through scallop geometry to achieve optimal deflection characteristics. The baffle has sufficient flexibility to deflect under tool pressure for access, yet maintains sufficient rigidity to seal effectively during operation, changing its effective stiffness parameter based on applied load conditions.
2Reliability
If the baffle is made highly stiff to maintain aerodynamic sealing, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to difficulty in deflecting for tool access
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle incorporates scallops (local geometric features) that concentrate flexibility in specific regions while maintaining overall structural integrity. The scallop geometry creates localized areas of controlled compliance that allow deflection for tool access without compromising the global stiffness required for aerodynamic sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle transitions from a static, overly stiff structure to a dynamic structure with controlled compliance. The resilient design allows the baffle to exhibit appropriate stiffness characteristics - rigid during normal operation for sealing, yet compliant during maintenance operations for tool access.
3Ease of operation
If fasteners are extended into the flowpath for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but aerodynamic performance is worsened due to flowpath interference
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener access function is extracted from the main flowpath structure and relocated to a separate access hole in the baffle. This allows the bolt connection location to remain sealed during operation while providing a dedicated access route through the resilient baffle material, separating the maintenance access function from the aerodynamic flowpath.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient baffle acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the sealed flowpath and the maintenance access requirement. It provides a controlled access route through its deflectable structure, allowing tool passage during maintenance while maintaining aerodynamic sealing during operation.
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 baffle provides effective tool access with high stiffness for sealing during engine operation, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing fatigue, while preventing foreign object ingestion and maintaining aerodynamic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member having a first end for blocking an access hole... The first end of the resilient member blocks the access hole and can be deflected to provide tool access to the bolt connection location
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a resilient member having a first end for blocking an access hole and a second end for attachment to a support surface, an opening extending through the resilient member and located between the first and second ends, and a bolt connection location positioned at the second end of the resilient member. The first end of the resilient member blocks the access hole and can be deflected to provide tool access to the bolt connection location through the first opening.