Retention Hardware Radial Space Reduction in Gas Turbine Vane Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines face design constraints due to limited space in areas like vane supports, where bolted joints restrict the introduction of additional hardware and design improvements, particularly in legacy designs.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile retention device comprising a retention block with a tab and clinch nut configuration that minimizes volume occupation, allowing for anti-rotation and axial load transfer, enabling efficient retention of components in compact spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bolted joint is used in vane supports, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the available design space is limited and additional hardware cannot be introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign spaceVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retention device is segmented into distinct functional components: a retention block for mounting, a tab for load transfer, and a clinch nut for anti-rotation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall connection strength, enabling the introduction of additional hardware features without compromising the bolted joint's integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a traditional bolted joint to a retention device that utilizes axial dimension for load transfer through the tab, while the clinch nut provides anti-rotation in a different dimensional orientation. This dimensional approach frees up radial and circumferential design space while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional retention hardware is used, then the connection is secure, but the radial space occupied is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention reliabilityVSAvoidradial space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The design extracts the anti-rotation function from a separate circumferential feature and integrates it into the clinch nut that engages with the tab in the axial direction. This extraction eliminates the need for additional circumferential space, reducing the radial footprint while maintaining retention reliability through the combined axial engagement and anti-rotation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clinch nut is nested within the retention device assembly, with the tab extending from the retention block and the clinch nut engaging the tab axially. This nested configuration consolidates multiple functions (retention, load transfer, anti-rotation) into a compact integrated assembly that minimizes radial space occupation while ensuring secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11215083B2Retention hardware

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 RTX CORP

AI summary

A retention device includes a retention block including an opening extending through the retention block in a first direction. A tab also extends from the retention block in the first direction. A fastener extends through the opening and includes a head configured to engage the retention block. A clinch nut is coupled to the fastener with an interface surface of the clinch nut configured to engage the tab of the retention block.