Retaining Clip for Split Fairing Radial Motion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In larger gas turbine engines, the increased circumferential distance between struts leads to radial motion between split fairing sections, which existing metallic buckles cannot compensate for, limiting the size and length of shroud overhang and causing gas flow path blockage, thereby decreasing engine performance.

Innovation Solution

A retaining clip is used to couple the forward and aft sections of a split fairing, featuring clip tabs that form a slot and a nickel-based alloy construction, allowing for reduced radial motion and maintaining radial alignment of shroud overhang, replacing traditional metallic buckles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If metallic buckles are used to couple forward and aft fairing sections, then the fairing sections can be connected, but radial motion between sections cannot be compensated for, limiting shroud overhang length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshroud overhang lengthVSAvoidradial alignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining clip is designed with flexible portions that allow it to dynamically adapt to radial motion between fairing sections. The clip can flex radially while maintaining circumferential alignment, enabling the system to accommodate size variations without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining clip changes its physical state from a compressed flexible condition during installation to a stabilized condition that maintains radial alignment. The flexible material properties allow the clip to deform and adapt to the radial motion that occurs with increased shroud overhang length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If shroud overhang is increased to compensate for increased distance between struts, then larger turbine frames can be supported, but radial motion between split fairing sections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircumferential distance between strutsVSAvoidradial alignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining clip utilizes flexible material properties to create a compliant connection between fairing sections. This flexible element can accommodate the increased radial motion that occurs when shroud overhang is extended to support larger turbine frames, maintaining stability without rigid constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining clip is constructed from flexible composite materials that combine radial flexibility with circumferential rigidity. This composite structure allows the clip to flex radially to accommodate increased distance between struts while maintaining the structural integrity and alignment stability required for large turbine frame support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If rigid metallic buckles are used, then strong mechanical coupling is achieved, but adaptability to radial motion is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical coupling strengthVSAvoidadaptability to radial motion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining clip transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection that can adapt to radial motion. The flexible portions allow the clip to move with the fairing sections while maintaining mechanical coupling, providing both strength and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining clip's physical parameters change during operation - it flexes radially to accommodate motion while maintaining its circumferential coupling function. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both strong mechanical coupling and adaptability to radial displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9664066B2Retaining clip and methods for use in limiting radial movement between sections of a split fairing

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A retaining clip for use in limiting radial movement between a first section and a second section of a split fairing is provided. The first section includes a first clip tab and the second section includes a second clip tab extending therefrom, wherein the first and second clip tabs form a slot when the first section and the second section are substantially aligned. The retaining clip includes a first portion sized for insertion into the slot, a third portion coupled to the first and second clip tabs such that the first and second clip tabs are positioned between the first portion and the third portion, and a second portion extending between the first portion and the third portion.