Retractable Exhaust Liner Segment for Gas Turbine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine maintenance processes are inefficient, requiring significant time and labor to install or remove engines or power units, especially when maintenance within the airframe shadow is necessary, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for quick and damage-free vertical removal and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A retractable exhaust liner segment with a split ring design and fastener assembly that allows axial installation and removal, providing clearance for the tail cone and ensuring a backpressure seal, manufactured from nickel alloy with high-temperature ceramic coating, and featuring a lap joint for insulation and captured fastener assemblies to prevent Foreign Object Damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional engine installation and removal methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust liner is divided into multiple segments that can be independently separated. The split ring design allows the exhaust liner to be divided into at least two segments, enabling vertical separation without requiring complete disassembly of the engine assembly, thus reducing maintenance time while managing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust liner transitions from a fixed structure to a movable one. The retractable segments can move vertically along the engine axis, allowing dynamic adjustment during maintenance operations. This enables quick insertion and removal of engine components without permanent structural changes
2Productivity
If vertical removal and replacement of engines is implemented, then maintenance efficiency improves, but risk of damage to engine flanges increases
Solution Approach 1:
Protective features are built into the exhaust liner segments before maintenance operations begin. The design includes protective edges and controlled separation mechanisms that prevent direct contact and potential damage between engine flanges and the exhaust liner during vertical removal, cushioning against harmful effects before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust liner segments act as intermediary components between the engine and the airframe structure. During vertical removal, these segments provide a buffer interface that protects the engine flanges from direct contact with potentially damaging structures, mediating the interaction to prevent damage
3Ease of manufacture
If separable coupling with end flanges is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but sealing effectiveness and backpressure control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust liner segments incorporate flexible sealing elements that can deform to maintain tight seals. The segmented design allows for flexible sealing interfaces that adapt to slight misalignments while maintaining effective sealing, preventing backpressure loss without requiring rigid precision coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A retractable exhaust liner segment (18) between a gas turbine engine (20) and an exhaust liner (16).