Quick Change Gas Turbine Insert Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing threaded inserts used in gas turbines, such as Keenserts and Helicoil, require time-consuming machining to remove and replace, leading to prolonged outage times during refurbishment or service.
Innovation Solution
A quick change insert system comprising an insert portion and a retaining element that prevents rotational and axial movement, allowing for rapid swapping without the need for machining, utilizing a machined cavity and slot configuration to secure the insert portion within the gas turbine component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded inserts (Keenserts, Helicoil) are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but removal and replacement requires time-consuming machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into two separate components: an insert portion with external threading and a retaining element with an internal cavity. This segmentation allows the insert portion to be quickly removed and replaced without machining, while the retaining element remains in the component. The segmented design enables rapid swapping by simply extracting the insert portion and inserting a new one into the pre-installed retaining element.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading function is extracted from the permanent component and transferred to a removable insert portion. The retaining element provides a cavity that receives the insert portion, allowing the threading capability to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the main component. This extraction eliminates the need for machining operations on the component body during insert replacement.
2Ease of repair
If traditional threaded inserts are removed and replaced, then insert replacement is possible, but machining is required to clear damaged threads
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the insert system into a removable insert portion and a stationary retaining element, the patent eliminates the need for machining operations. The insert portion can be freely removed and replaced without any machining to clear damaged threads, as the threading is contained within the removable portion rather than the permanent component.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert portion is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be quickly swapped out without machining. Rather than repairing the component by removing damaged threads through machining, the entire insert portion is replaced as a unit, similar to replacing a disposable item. This approach is simpler and requires no machining operations.
3Reliability
If threaded inserts are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but component material is consumed through machining
Solution Approach 1:
The threading function is extracted from the component body and placed in a separate removable insert portion. The retaining element provides a cavity that receives the insert portion without requiring threaded holes or machining in the component body. This extraction preserves the component material by eliminating the need to machine threaded features into the main component structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for a component of a gas turbine is provided. The insert includes an insert portion and a retaining element such that the insert portion is retained by the retaining element so that movement of the insert portion relative to the retaining element is prevented. Additionally, a gas turbine component including the insert is provided as well as a method for inserting the insert into a gas turbine component.