Rotatable Plug Assembly for Gas Turbine Inspection Port Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for sealing inspection ports in gas turbine engines are costly and can lead to foreign object damage (FOD) due to improper installation, and there is a need for effective port components to ensure safe and efficient engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A plug assembly for gas turbine engines comprising a connector body with a rotatable joint, a cover, a biasing mechanism, and a top housing, which is assembled by inserting the connector body and cover into a sheath passage, rotating the cover relative to the connector body, and securing the top housing, along with a slider seal housing and cover to seal the port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to seal inspection ports, then sealing function is achieved, but cost increases and foreign object damage occurs due to improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly is divided into separate components including a plug body, a cover assembly with rotatable joint, and a biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable sealing through precise component integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism is pre-installed on the plug body before the cover assembly is attached. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and sealing force are already in place, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly and reducing installation errors.
2Reliability
If multiple port components are used to ensure proper operation, then sealing effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated assemblies: the cover assembly merges the cover, rotatable joint, and biasing mechanism into a single unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining effective sealing through the combined functionality of the integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable joint serves multiple functions: it allows the cover to rotate into position, provides a sealing interface, and enables the biasing mechanism to apply force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable port sealing.
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 assembly provides a secure and efficient seal for inspection ports, preventing FOD and ensuring proper engine operation by effectively sealing the ports using a biasing mechanism and rotatable joints.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force to the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a plug assembly for plugging one or more ports of a gas turbine engine including that a connector body and a cover operably connected to the connector body are inserted into a sheath through-passage of a sheath. The connector body including a rotatable joint operably connecting the cover to the connector body. The method also includes that a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force to the cover is installed, the cover is rotated relative to the connector body via the rotatable joint, a top housing is slid over the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism abuts a bottom end of the top housing or is located in a cavity defined within the top housing, and the top housing is secured together with the sheath.