Axial Retention Ring Locking Mechanism for Turbomachine Blades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial retention ring devices for turbomachine rotor blades in aircraft engines face challenges in securely immobilizing the retention ring in rotation, leading to potential displacement and escape of blades during operation.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a retention ring with a slot covered by a second immobilization hook, and cleats positioned to abut against the first immobilization hook, ensuring the slot is secured and preventing rotation, thereby maintaining the retention ring within the groove and preventing blade displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hook forming abutment is used to immobilize the retention ring, then the structure is simple, but the retention ring may rotate and come out of the groove during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The single hook forming abutment is segmented into two separate hooks: a first hook forming abutment that engages with the cleat, and a second hook forming abutment that covers the slot. This segmentation allows each hook to perform a specific function, preventing both rotation and axial displacement of the retention ring while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleat element is introduced as an intermediary component between the retention ring and the hooks. The cleat engages with the first hook forming abutment to prevent rotation, while the second hook forming abutment covers the slot to prevent axial displacement. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable immobilization without complicating the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the slot is positioned between two teeth, then installation is facilitated, but the retention ring can rotate and ends can come out of the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The second hook forming abutment is positioned to cover the slot in advance, creating a preliminary protective barrier. This ensures that even if the slot is positioned between two teeth for easy installation, the retention ring cannot rotate or come out of the groove during operation, as the second hook prevents any such movement.
3Reliability
If tabs with contact faces are used to prevent rotation, then the retention ring is immobilized, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The function of preventing rotation is merged into the hook forming abutments rather than requiring separate tab structures with contact faces. The first hook forming abutment engages with the cleat to prevent rotation, while the second hook forming abutment covers the slot. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable rotation prevention.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device for immobilizing a retaining ring (20) on a rotor disk (10) comprises: - a first (162, 262) and a second (164, 264) successive immobilizing hooks of the disk (10), - at least one stop (302, 304, 306) of said retaining ring (20), disposed near a slot (24) of the ring (20). The position of said at least one lug (302, 304, 306) on said retaining ring (20) is such that, when said retaining ring (20) is in place in a groove (22) located on the rotor disc (10), said at least one lug (302, 304, 306) is abutted against said first locking hook (162, 262), and the slot (24) is covered by said second locking hook (164, 264).