Integrated Piston Ring Anti-Rotation for Gas Turbine Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piston rings in gas turbine engines experience spinning or circumferential movement due to vibrations and pressure fluctuations, leading to potential damage to the ring and sealed components.
Innovation Solution
A piston ring with an integrated anti-rotation feature extending from its axial surface, which is integrally formed with the ring, is received within a slot in the non-seal side rail, preventing circumferential movement by ensuring the anti-rotation feature contacts the slot, thus maintaining the ring's position and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If piston ring is maintained in groove by friction only, then installation is simple, but circumferential movement and spinning occur due to vibrations and pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation feature is segmented into discrete elements (protrusions, tabs, or keys) that can be independently positioned around the circumference of the piston ring. This segmentation allows selective engagement with corresponding groove features to prevent rotation while maintaining simplicity of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation feature acts as an intermediary element between the piston ring and the groove, providing a mechanical interface that prevents circumferential movement. This intermediary structure translates the simple friction-based retention into a more reliable position-stable connection without complicating the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If anti-rotation feature is added to piston ring, then circumferential movement is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation feature is merged with the piston ring body to form a single integrated component. The feature is formed as an extension or protrusion from the ring's cross-section, eliminating the need for separate anti-rotation components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston ring design incorporates multi-functionality by combining the sealing function with the anti-rotation function in a single component. The same structural features of the piston ring (its cross-sectional shape and groove engagement) serve both sealing and rotation prevention purposes, avoiding additional complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If anti-rotation feature is integrally formed with circular body, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility in anti-rotation mechanism design is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integral formation of the anti-rotation feature allows different local qualities to be applied to different regions of the piston ring. The cross-sectional shape can be optimized for sealing in one area while the anti-rotation protrusions are shaped for engagement with the groove, enabling both manufacturing simplicity and design flexibility through localized feature optimization.
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 anti-rotation feature effectively prevents spinning of the piston ring within the groove, reducing damage to the ring and sealed components by enhancing the frictional stability and maintaining the air seal barrier.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining the ring's position and preventing damage... enhancing the frictional stability
Data Source
AI summary
A piston ring for use with a gas turbine engine, including: a circular body having a rectangular cross section with overlapping open free ends; and an anti-rotating feature extending from an axial surface of the circular body, the anti-rotating feature being integrally formed with the circular body such that the circular body and the anti-rotating feature are formed from a single unitary member.