Omega Stringer Panel Fixing for Gastight Turbomachine Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixing systems for turbomachine enclosures require lengthy installation and maintenance processes, introduce mechanical weaknesses, and lead to air leakage due to the need for boring panels and frames, and result in an increased footprint and risk of damaging composite layers.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system utilizing an omega stringer with a central portion and lateral foot portions, a flat bar, and a sealing gasket that compresses between the panel and the fixing system, eliminating the need for pre-drilling and ensuring a gastight seal, while allowing for the use of composite panels without compromising their integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolts with nuts are used to fasten panels to the frame, then the panels are securely fixed, but the installation time and maintenance time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into separate modular components: a fixing device with clamping elements that can be independently attached to the frame, and panels that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and disassembly without requiring complex fastening operations, thereby reducing installation and maintenance time while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing devices are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the frame structure before panel installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site fastening operations, as panels can be quickly clipped or attached to the pre-positioned fixing devices, significantly reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If holes are bored in panels and frame for fastening devices, then panels can be fastened securely, but mechanical weakness is introduced and air leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing gasket or sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the panel and the fixing device. This sealing intermediary prevents air leakage through the joint while maintaining the mechanical connection, eliminating the harmful effect of air leakage without compromising fastening security.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system requiring holes and bolts is replaced with a clipping or snap-fit mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for holes in panels and frame, thereby preventing air leakage paths and avoiding the mechanical weakness that results from hole drilling, while still achieving secure panel fixation.
3Shape
If panels are installed over stringers of the frame, then the enclosure structure is formed, but the footprint of the enclosure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing devices and sealing elements are nested within or integrated into the existing frame structure and panel thickness, rather than adding external protrusions. This nesting approach allows the enclosure structure to be formed without increasing the overall footprint, as the fixing components are contained within the existing dimensional envelope of the frame and panels.
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
This solution reduces installation and maintenance time, minimizes pressure leakages, and reduces the enclosure's footprint by providing a plug-and-play system that maintains the integrity of composite panels and ensures a robust gastight seal.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing gasket is compressed between panel and fixing system
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing system for a panel, particularly for a noise absorption panel, including an omega stringer having a substantially omega-shaped cross-section, wherein the omega stringer includes a central portion and two lateral foot portions; a flat bar longitudinally directly connected to the central portion of the omega stringer; a sealing gasket arranged longitudinally onto the lateral foot portions of the omega stringer or onto the flat bar; wherein height of omega stringer is selected so that, when a panel is clamped between the omega stringer and the flat bar, the sealing gasket is compressed between panel and fixing system.