Piston Seal Groove Inserts for Fretting Wear Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piston seal assemblies in gas turbine engines degrade over time due to fretting and wear, leading to reduced performance and gas leakage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the removal of worn material from the seal groove, followed by the application of a groove buildup member, such as a guard or insert type member, to reinforce the seal groove and secure a seal member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If piston seal assembly operates continuously in gas turbine engine, then productivity is improved, but wear and fretting occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by providing a replaceable seal member that can be removed and replaced when worn. The seal groove with its buildup member allows the seal member to be discarded after use and a new one installed, recovering the sealing function without replacing the entire piston seal assembly. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous operation through periodic maintenance rather than continuous degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing a groove buildup member in the seal groove before the seal member is installed. This buildup member creates a reinforced groove structure that prevents wear from affecting the underlying substrate. The preliminary preparation of the groove with enhanced wear resistance allows the seal member to operate longer before replacement is needed, maintaining reliability during continuous operation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If seal groove is subjected to fretting and wear, then operational life is extended initially, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the groove buildup member (made of wear-resistant material) with the underlying groove substrate. This composite structure provides enhanced durability in the seal groove while maintaining the original sealing function. The buildup member acts as a protective layer that resists fretting and wear, extending the operational life without compromising sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced wear resistance specifically in the seal groove area where fretting occurs, rather than reinforcing the entire piston seal assembly. The groove buildup member is localized to the groove region, providing targeted protection where it is most needed to maintain sealing effectiveness while extending local durability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If worn material is removed from seal groove and groove buildup member is applied, then durability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seal groove structure into distinct components: the original groove substrate and the separate groove buildup member. This segmentation allows the buildup member to be installed as a discrete component rather than requiring complete reconstruction of the groove. The modular approach enhances durability while limiting the increase in overall device complexity to just the added buildup component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the groove buildup member as a mediator between the worn groove substrate and the seal member. This intermediary component provides the wear-resistant surface needed for durability while maintaining compatibility with the existing seal member design. The buildup member acts as a bridge that preserves the original seal assembly architecture while adding the necessary durability enhancement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of repairing a piston seal assembly comprises removing worn material from a piston seal groove to generate a worked seal groove, applying a groove buildup member to the worked seal groove, and disposing a seal member proximate the groove buildup member.