Sealing Member Support Centering Keys Gas Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas turbine engine sealing assembly is prone to deformation under axial aerodynamic forces, leading to instability and corrosion issues, and there is a need to reduce the weight of component parts for improved engine performance.
Innovation Solution
The sealing member support is secured to the inner ring using a transverse groove and radial rib arrangement, combined with tongue and groove connection means, which reduces weight and ensures stable mounting, preventing detachment under axial pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the sealing member support is secured to the inner ring using traditional dowel and key arrangements, then the mounting stability is maintained, but the weight of the sealing assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dowel and key components from the traditional sealing assembly mounting structure. By extracting these unnecessary elements and replacing them with a simplified support structure that integrates directly with the inner ring, the overall weight is reduced while maintaining functional stability through the new geometric configuration of the support itself
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member support is designed with localized geometric features (specific shapes and configurations) that provide mounting stability at critical locations without requiring additional fastening components. The support structure incorporates localized reinforcement and positioning features that ensure reliable mounting while minimizing overall material usage and weight
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional key and dowel structures are used to secure the sealing member support, then the mounting is stable, but the assembly is prone to deformation under axial aerodynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member support is designed with dynamic geometric features that allow it to flex and adapt to axial aerodynamic forces without deforming. The optimized shape and configuration enable the support to maintain its structural integrity under varying load conditions, preventing both excessive rigidity that would cause deformation and excessive flexibility that would compromise stability
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple keys are distributed along the ring to ensure centering, then the centering precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centering function and the support function into a single integrated sealing member support structure. By merging these functions, the need for separate keys and keyway grooves is eliminated, reducing device complexity while maintaining centering precision through the geometric design of the integrated support that naturally positions the inner ring correctly
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes at least one compressor stage with an inner ring under variable angle stator vanes including axial keys for centering the inner ring with respect to the stator vanes, and including at least one sealing member support mounted on the inner ring. The keys include a transverse groove cooperating with a radial rib arranged transverse to the engine axis on the periphery of the support for the sealing member.