Seal Runner Catcher Structure for Gas Turbine Sealing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine seals face deflection issues due to the weight added by deflector components, which can disrupt the sealing efficiency and maintain oil pressure within bearing compartments.
Innovation Solution
A catcher mechanism, integrally formed with a stack spacer, is used to restrict the deflection of a seal runner by contacting a tab at the intersection of the axially-extending portion and deflector, while fluid flow through orifices enhances cooling and directs oil into the bearing compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a deflector component is added to the seal runner, then fluid flow control is improved, but the weight of the seal runner increases causing deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher acts as a counterbalancing support structure that compensates for the weight-induced deflection of the seal runner. By providing an opposing mechanical support force at the catcher location, the system counteracts the gravitational and operational loads causing deflection, maintaining seal runner stability despite the added deflector weight.
2Weight of moving object
If the seal runner deflects, then weight requirements are reduced, but sealing efficiency is disrupted and oil pressure cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher serves as an intermediary support element between the seal runner and the engine structure. It provides localized mechanical support that prevents deflection without requiring the entire seal runner to be heavily reinforced, thus maintaining sealing efficiency while avoiding excessive weight increase.
3Reliability
If the catcher mechanism is added to restrict deflection, then sealing stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher is integrated with the existing seal runner assembly structure, merging the deflection prevention function into the current design framework. This integration approach adds the necessary support functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by utilizing existing structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a bearing compartment, a seal runner, a seal configured to cooperate with the seal runner to seal the bearing compartment, and a catcher in contact with the seal runner to minimize deflection of the seal runner. A method is also disclosed.