Rotor Structure Tie Bolt Segmentation for Rotating Machinery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotating machinery assembly is complicated by interfering structures and differing axial load requirements for separate compressor components, making it difficult to secure multiple rotor structures and disassemble components without disturbing others, while minimizing vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A rotor structure with a tie bolt featuring multiple stop surfaces and fasteners at different axial locations to securely assemble and disassemble axial and radial compressor components, using a support to minimize vibrations and allow for modular assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotor portions are secured on a common tie bolt with different axial load requirements, then the rotor structure can accommodate different compressor components, but it becomes difficult to apply different axial loads to each rotor portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different compressor componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of applying different axial loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tie bolt is segmented with multiple stop surfaces at different axial locations, allowing each rotor portion to be stopped and loaded independently at its specific location. This segmentation enables different axial loads to be applied to different rotor portions without requiring complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a single-point loading approach to a multi-location loading approach along the axial dimension of the tie bolt. By distributing stop surfaces and fasteners at different axial positions, the system can independently control loading for each rotor portion along this dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If rotor components are secured tightly on the tie bolt, then the rotor structure achieves stability, but it becomes difficult to disassemble components without disturbing others

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of rotor structureVSAvoidease of disassembling components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The tie bolt is divided into multiple independent loading zones with separate stop surfaces and fasteners. This allows individual rotor portions to be secured independently, enabling disassembly of one component without affecting the stability or loading of other components on the same tie bolt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop surfaces are pre-positioned at specific axial locations on the tie bolt during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning allows rotor portions to be quickly located and secured at their correct positions during assembly, and similarly enables selective disassembly by simply removing the specific fastener without disturbing other pre-secured components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If additional supports are added to minimize vibrations, then rotor operation efficiency improves, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration minimizationVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop surfaces and fasteners on the tie bolt serve dual functions: they secure the rotor portions in place and simultaneously provide vibration minimization by ensuring precise positioning and stable connection. This eliminates the need for separate vibration-reduction supports that would complicate the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of mechanical fastening and vibration control are merged into a single integrated system. The stop surfaces provide both positioning (preventing vibration) and fastening (securing the component) functions, eliminating the need for separate vibration-reduction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single fastener is used to secure multiple rotor portions, then the structure is simpler, but it becomes impossible to disassemble one component without affecting others

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidability to disassemble individual components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single fastener for all rotor portions, the tie bolt incorporates multiple independent fasteners at different axial locations. Each fastener independently secures a specific rotor portion, maintaining relative structural simplicity while enabling selective disassembly of individual components without affecting others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10267328B2Rotor structure for rotating machinery and method of assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 ROLLS ROYCE CORP

AI summary

According to one aspect, a rotor structure and method of assembling a rotor structure for rotating machinery include a first rotor portion assembled on a tie bolt in abutment with a stop surface and a fastener assembled on the tie bolt at a second axial location spaced from the first axial location to capture the first rotor portion on the tie bolt between the first and second axial locations. A second rotor portion is secured on the tie bolt in abutment with a second stop surface spaced from the first stop surface.