Pivoting Liner Hanger Link for Turbine Engine Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing a liner within a gas turbine engine is challenging due to complex manufacturing tolerances and thermal energy-induced fluctuations, requiring complex and expensive liner hanger assemblies that are difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable link with a hemispherical end portion and a rod end portion is used, where the hemispherical end is received within a recess in an attachment structure, and the rod end is secured to another attachment structure, limiting relative movement between the engine casing and the liner, and accommodating thermal expansion without complex machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex liner hanger assemblies with multiple features are used to accommodate liner movement, then the liner securing reliability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a simple rod-shaped link for positioning, a hemispherical end for pivoting accommodation, and a rod end with threading for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical end portion of the link is designed with a curved surface that fits into a corresponding recess in the attachment structure. This spherical geometry naturally accommodates pivoting movements and thermal expansion without requiring complex mechanical features, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring reliable liner positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional liner hanger assemblies with complex features are used, then thermal expansion accommodation improves, but manufacturing cost and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The link is designed with a hemispherical end that can pivot within a recess, allowing the component to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic capability is achieved through a simple geometric interface rather than complex adjustable mechanisms, making the assembly easier to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical geometry provides a range of motion parameters that accommodate thermal expansion variations. The curved surface allows angular adjustment while maintaining contact, enabling the assembly to adapt to dimensional changes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If complex hanger features are used to accommodate liner movement, then movement limitation accuracy improves, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The precision movement limitation is achieved through segmented functional features: the hemispherical end provides pivoting accommodation within a recess for accurate angular positioning, while the rod end with external threading provides precise radial positioning. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized for its specific positioning function while maintaining overall assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical end portion fits into a matching recess to provide precise angular positioning and pivot point definition. The curved geometry naturally guides the pivoting motion and limits movement to the desired degree of freedom, achieving accurate movement limitation without complex constraint mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary turbine engine link assembly includes a link extending longitudinally from a rod end and terminating at a hemispherical end. The rod end is secured to an engine liner or an engine casing. The hemispherical end is biased toward a corresponding hemispherical recess in the engine liner or in the other of the engine liner or the engine casing.