Rotatable Machine Mounting with Multi-Degree Freedom Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting systems for rotatable machines, such as gas turbine engines, often result in an initial offset of the axis of rotation from the drive shaft, leading to misalignment when the machine is cold or at low operating temperature, which can cause operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with multiple mounting elements, each comprising a pin member and a joint member with three degrees of freedom of rotation, slidably coupled to accommodate radial expansion and contraction, ensuring the axis of rotation remains aligned with the centerline of the frame, thereby maintaining alignment with the drive shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fixed pin mounting element and a single sliding pin mounting element are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision of the axis of rotation with the drive shaft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into multiple mounting elements (at least three) evenly spaced circumferentially around the rotatable machine. Each mounting element includes a pin member and a joint member with rotational degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining precise collinear alignment of the axis of rotation with the drive shaft centerline, resolving the contradiction between simple mounting structure and alignment precision.
2Ease of operation
If the axis of rotation is initially offset from the drive shaft, then the ease of operation during startup is improved, but the alignment precision at cold or low temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting elements incorporate joint members with rotational degrees of freedom that allow the mounting system to dynamically adjust as the rotatable machine heats up and expands. The joint members enable rotational movement to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining collinear alignment. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate flexibly during startup while ensuring precise alignment when hot, rather than requiring initial offset at cold temperatures.
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 system allows the rotatable machine to expand and contract radially while maintaining axis alignment with the drive shaft, ensuring consistent operation and preventing misalignment, even as the machine's temperature varies.
Implementation Method 1
the rotatable machine is able to expand and contract radially within the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system includes a rotatable machine, a frame circumscribing the rotatable machine, and a plurality of mounting elements. Each mounting element of the plurality of mounting elements includes a pin member and a joint member. The joint member includes a rotatable joint capable of three degrees of freedom of rotation, and the joint member is slidably coupled to the pin member, such that each mounting element is capable of four degrees of freedom of motion. The plurality of mounting elements are further coupled between the frame and the rotatable machine and spaced circumferentially about the rotatable machine, such that the rotatable machine is able to expand and contract radially within the frame. The mounting system provides a uniform stiffness in any radial direction from the engine centerline within the lateral-vertical engine plane.