Propulsion Rotor Platform with Interlocking Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior airflow platforms in aircraft engines are complex and labor-intensive to assemble due to their composition of multiple individual pieces.
Innovation Solution
The platform apparatus consists of forward and aft segments with interlocking fingers and complementary shapes, along with fillers, which simplifies assembly by allowing purely axial movement and reduces the number of parts, enhancing stiffness and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prior art platforms are assembled from multiple individual pieces, then the platform can be manufactured and installed, but the assembly complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual platform pieces into a single integrated platform structure. The forward and aft segments are joined together to form one unified platform component that maintains the necessary aerodynamic shape and structural function while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is divided into forward and aft segments that can be manufactured separately and then joined together. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of each segment while maintaining the overall simplicity of the assembly process, as the segments are designed to connect in a straightforward manner.
2Productivity
If multiple individual pieces are used for the platform, then the platform structure can be formed, but the installation labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple platform components into a single integrated structure, the installation process is simplified from assembling multiple pieces to installing one component. This directly reduces installation time and labor requirements while maintaining the necessary structural and aerodynamic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform segments are pre-manufactured and pre-assembled into the final configuration before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that the platform is ready for direct installation without requiring complex assembly operations during the installation process, thereby increasing productivity.
3Strength
If the platform uses traditional multi-piece construction, then the aerodynamic shape can be achieved, but the platform stiffness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of forward and aft segments into a single platform structure eliminates the connection interfaces between multiple pieces. This unified structure inherently provides higher stiffness and structural rigidity compared to assembled multi-piece constructions, as there are no joint connections to potentially compromise structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform may utilize composite material construction that combines different materials with complementary properties to achieve optimal stiffness and aerodynamic performance. This allows the platform to maintain high structural rigidity while managing weight and other performance considerations.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform apparatus for a propulsion rotor having an annular array of airfoils carried by a rotor disk. The apparatus includes: at least one forward segment comprising an arcuate forward body having a plurality of spaced-apart axially-extending forward fingers, each of the forward fingers bounded by a curved first lateral edge interconnected to a straight second lateral edge by an aft edge, wherein the forward segment defines a flow path surface and an opposed back surface; at least one aft segment comprising an arcuate aft body having a plurality of spaced-apart actually-extending aft fingers, each of the aft fingers bounded by a curved first lateral edge interconnected to a straight second lateral edge by a forward edge, wherein the aft segment defines a flow path surface and an opposed back surface, and wherein the aft edges have a shape complementary to a shape of the forward edges.