Retractable Seal Layout for Turbomachine Discharge Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge valves in turbomachines face a challenge in maintaining a seal between the primary and secondary ducts in the closed position while avoiding obstruction of the aerodynamic air flux when the gate is open.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a movably mounted seal and a movement system that retracts the seal into a cavity when the discharge gate is open, ensuring the seal is only compressed against the gate in the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is fixed in position to ensure sealing in closed gate position, then sealing reliability is improved, but the seal obstructs the aerodynamic air flux when the gate is open
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position dynamically between closed and open gate states. The seal moves to a first position bearing against the gate when closed for sealing, and to a second retracted position when open to avoid obstructing air flux.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is moved to the retracted second position in advance before the gate opens, preventing obstruction of the aerodynamic air flux before it occurs. This preliminary retraction action ensures optimal air flow is maintained.
2Loss of substance
If the seal is retracted when the gate is open, then air flux is improved, but sealing cannot be maintained in the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The seal position is dynamically adjusted based on gate position. When the gate is in the closing position, the seal moves to the first position to bear against the gate and ensure sealing. When the gate opens, the seal automatically retreats to the second position to avoid obstructing air flux.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal position is controlled based on feedback from the gate position. The movement system responds to the gate's opening/closing state, automatically positioning the seal appropriately to maintain sealing when closed and avoid obstruction when open.
3Reliability
If a movable seal system is implemented, then both sealing and air flux are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal movement system is designed to be self-actuating, using the gate's own movement to drive the seal between positions. The gate directly or indirectly actuates the seal through mechanical linkages, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal movement function is merged with the gate operation. The same mechanical movement of the gate that opens/closes the valve also automatically positions the seal, combining two functions into one mechanical action and reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures a seal between the intermediate casing and the discharge valve gate in the closed position without obstructing the aerodynamic air flux when the gate is open, thereby maximizing the scooped air flux.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is designed to rest against the peripheral edges of each gate
Implementation Method 2
a movement system configured to move the seal between a first position in which the seal is intended to bear against the discharge gate
Data Source
AI summary
Discharge valve of an aircraft turbomachine, including a discharge gate intended to be mounted pivotably about an axis between a position for closing an air passage orifice and an open position of said orifice, the orifice being formed in an intermediate casing of the turbomachine, the discharge valve including a sealing device having a seal configured to be movably mounted on the intermediate casing and a movement system configured to move the seal between a first position in which the seal is intended to bear against the discharge gate when the gate is in a closure position, and a second position in which the seal is retracted with respect to the air passage orifice when the discharge gate is in an open position.