Turbomachine Rotor Disk Elastic Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor disk locking mechanisms in turbomachines face issues with screws jamming due to centrifugal forces and vibrations, making it difficult to assemble and disassemble blades, and requiring complex tools for operation.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, elastically deformable U- or Ω-shaped locking member is used, which is inserted into the groove via a window and retained in a notch, allowing for sliding movement when deformed, eliminating the need for screws and specialized tools, and is made of high-temperature-resistant materials like nickel chromium alloy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member with screws is used to secure blade roots in the groove, then the blades can be retained in the groove, but the screws may jam due to centrifugal forces and vibrations during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the screw component entirely from the locking mechanism. Instead of using a screw that can jam, the patent employs a spring-loaded locking member that is inserted into the groove and retained by elastic deformation, eliminating the harmful screw jamming issue while maintaining reliable blade retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member utilizes the elastic properties of the material itself to provide the locking force. The spring-loaded design allows the member to automatically engage and disengage from the groove based on the elastic deformation of the material, without requiring external screws or additional fastening components.
2Reliability
If deformation by compression is applied to the locking member to prevent screw turning, then screw loosening is prevented, but the pitch between blades is too small to accommodate compression tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the screw and compression tool requirement entirely. The locking member is installed in a pre-assembled state and relies on elastic deformation of the material itself rather than external compression tools, making the pitch between blades irrelevant to the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is pre-formed with the appropriate elastic properties and geometry before installation. The component is designed to automatically deform and lock into position during assembly without requiring现场 compression or adjustment, thereby eliminating the need for tool access during installation.
3Device complexity
If a one-piece elastically deformable locking member is used, then the structure is simpler and screw jamming is prevented, but the member must be deformable enough to be inserted while retaining enough elasticity to lock in place
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully selects and controls the elastic parameters of the locking member material and geometry. The member is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to be deformed sufficiently for insertion while maintaining enough rigidity to provide reliable locking force once in place, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
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 simplifies the locking mechanism, prevents screw jamming, allows for easy assembly and disassembly without damaging the rotor disk, and reduces the risk of improper mounting, while enabling blade retention without the need for specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking member (100) which is made out of a single piece of elastic material and which corresponds in shape to the cross-section of the groove (16)
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor disk for a turbomachine, the disk carrying blades whose roots are retained in a peripheral groove of the disk, the groove including a window for inserting blade roots and a locking member that is a single elastically deformable piece and dimensioned to be received and retained in a notch of the groove while in its free state, and to be capable of being displaced to slide inside the groove while in a stressed and elastically deformed state.