Rotor Coupling Ring Axial Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, loose or broken coupling elements between rotor disks can lead to overspeed conditions and potential engine damage due to axial movement of rotors.
Innovation Solution
A rotor assembly with interlocking tabs and a split ring locking mechanism that forms a circumferential channel to securely couple and decouple rotors, using radially inward hooks and anti-rotation tabs to prevent axial disengagement and ensure proper assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coupling elements (sleeves, bolts, fasteners) are used to hold rotor sections together, then the rotor sections are axially retained, but the coupling elements can become loose or break leading to overspeed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into discrete tabs on the rotor sections that interlock with corresponding tabs on adjacent sections. This segmentation allows the coupling function to be distributed across multiple simple tab structures rather than relying on a single complex coupling element, improving reliability while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function and the structural connection function are merged into a single tab-interlock mechanism. The tabs serve both to structurally connect the rotor sections and to provide the locking function that prevents axial movement, eliminating the need for separate coupling elements like sleeves or bolts.
2Reliability
If a split ring locking mechanism with hooks is used to secure interlocking tabs, then axial retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The split ring is designed to perform multiple functions: it locks the interlocking tabs together, prevents axial disengagement, and the hooks engage with the tabs to provide rotational restraint. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The split ring acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the interlocking tabs and the rotor sections. It provides a simple yet effective locking action by engaging the tabs with its hooks, creating a reliable axial retention system that is easier than direct tab-to-tab locking.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an anti-rotation tab is added to prevent rotational movement of the split ring, then coupling stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation tab introduces asymmetry to the otherwise radially symmetric split ring design. This asymmetric feature selectively prevents rotational movement of the split ring relative to the rotor sections while maintaining the symmetric locking function in the radial direction. The asymmetric design is simple to manufacture and provides essential rotational stability.
4Ease of operation
If scallops are added to drain lubricant from the rotor assembly, then lubrication management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scallops extract excess lubricant from the rotor assembly by providing drainage pathways. This extraction function removes the harmful effect of lubricant accumulation while maintaining necessary lubrication, improving ease of operation without requiring complex lubrication management systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A rotor assembly (200) is disclosed. In various embodiments, the rotor assembly (200) includes a first rotor (202; 302) having a first plurality of tabs (352); a second rotor (204; 304) having a second plurality of tabs (354); and a rotor coupling ring (206; 306) having an anti-rotation tab (236; 336) configured for disposition between an adjacent pair of tabs from one of the first plurality of tabs (352) or the second plurality of tabs (354).