Ring Seal Installation Tool Radial Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing ring seals in gas turbine engine components often result in damage to the seals due to improper compression and installation techniques, leading to potential leakage and reduced seal effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a base, support, and actuator is used to radially compress and axially translate a ring seal through an aperture, ensuring gradual compression and secure seating within the component, minimizing damage and ensuring a proper seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional installation methods are used to install ring seals, then installation speed is improved, but seal damage occurs due to improper compression
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered bore of the installation tool performs preliminary radial compression of the ring seal before the seal enters the final installation position. This pre-compression prepares the seal for installation, ensuring it is properly compressed before encountering the tight clearance in the target aperture, thereby preventing damage while maintaining installation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool acts as an intermediary device between the installer and the ring seal. The tapered bore of the tool provides a controlled compression interface that gradually compresses the seal radially as it is pushed through, mediating the force application to prevent sudden or excessive compression that would damage the seal
2Productivity
If rapid installation is performed, then productivity is improved, but seal damage increases due to improper compression
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered geometry of the installation tool bore performs preliminary compression of the ring seal before it reaches the installation location. This allows rapid installation while ensuring the seal is progressively compressed, preventing sudden damage that would occur with direct forced insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered bore creates a gradual change in the radial compression parameter as the seal moves through the installation tool. The compression ratio increases progressively along the tapered surface, transforming the installation process from a sudden high-stress event to a controlled parameter change that prevents seal damage while maintaining speed
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
The solution effectively reduces seal damage and ensures a secure, leak-proof installation by gradually compressing the ring seal, maintaining its integrity and effectiveness in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
The at least a portion of the sidewall radially tapers as the sidewall extends towards the second end... The base is configured to radially compress the ring seal as the press pushes the ring seal axially through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is configured to translate the pusher along the axis and thereby push the ring seal through the aperture and press the ring seal into the component
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and tools are provided for pressing a ring seal into a component. In one method, a tool is anchored to the component. The tool includes a first aperture which extends along an axis. The first aperture is coaxial with a second aperture in the component. The ring seal is pushed axially through the first aperture towards the component, where the tool radially compresses the ring seal as the ring seal moves axially towards the component. The radially compressed ring seal is pressed into the second aperture using the tool.