Turbomachine Sealing Ring With Varying Profile Cross-Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbomachine sealing rings are typically rotationally symmetrical and lack variability in their profile cross-sections, which limits their ability to adapt to changing loads and provides inadequate anti-twist protection, while also being heavy.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring with a varying profile cross-section in the circumferential direction, featuring radial and axial ribs, produced using generative manufacturing processes like selective laser exposure, which allows for load-adapted bending stiffness and anti-twist protection with reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotationally symmetrical sealing rings are used, then manufacturing is simple, but load adaptation and anti-twist protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring employs a varying profile cross-section along its circumference, creating local variations in bending stiffness. This allows different circumferential regions to have optimized mechanical properties tailored to specific load conditions, enabling load adaptation without requiring multiple different ring designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring deliberately uses asymmetric profile cross-sections rather than rotationally symmetrical designs. This asymmetry enables the ring to provide anti-twist protection and adapt to non-uniform loading conditions that symmetric designs cannot address effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sealing rings with varying profile cross-sections are used, then load adaptation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing methods (lathe machining) with additive manufacturing technology. This substitution enables the production of complex varying profile cross-sections that would be difficult or impossible to create with conventional machining, directly addressing the manufacturing complexity challenge.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying profile cross-section is achieved by changing geometric parameters along the circumference of the sealing ring. This parameter variation allows optimization of bending stiffness distribution to match load patterns while being manufacturable through additive processes that can accommodate complex geometries.
3Reliability
If radial ribs are added for structural support, then anti-twist protection is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radial ribs are strategically positioned at specific circumferential locations where anti-twist protection is most needed, rather than being distributed uniformly. This localized approach provides necessary structural support while minimizing the addition of material and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring structure is segmented with radial ribs creating distinct structural zones. This segmentation allows the ribs to provide targeted anti-twist protection in critical areas while leaving other regions lighter, optimizing the weight-strength balance.
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 solution provides enhanced load-adapted bending stiffness and anti-twist protection while minimizing overall weight, improving the sealing ring's performance and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An additive manufacturing process can be referred to as an additive manufacturing process or a rapid prototyping process and/or comprise layer-by-layer production by means of local or selective solidification of a starting material, in particular liquid, pasty, or pourable, and in particular powdery or granular. Selective laser melting or laser sintering is particularly advantageously used as an additive manufacturing process
Implementation Method 2
Selective laser melting or laser sintering is particularly advantageously used as an additive manufacturing process
Data Source
Figure 1~6B
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sealing ring for a turbomachine, in particular a compressor or turbine stage of a gas turbine, comprising a seal, in particular at least partially honeycomb-like and/or integral, and in particular an inlet lining (13), wherein a profile cross-section of the sealing ring, in particular at least partially manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing process, varies circumferentially, in particular at least sectionally continuously and/or discontinuously at one or more circumferential positions, in particular discontinuities. Associated arrangements for a turbomachine, compressor or turbine stage for a gas turbine, and a gas turbine are also presented. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sealing ring.