Sectored Cylindrical Tool for Turbomachine Bearing Race Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for mounting turbine engine inner bearing races are inadequate, as they fail to protect the race and rollers, are heavy and complex, and often require separate tools for different engine configurations, leading to potential damage and human error.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising sectored cylindrical envelopes and a locking annulus that protects and securely holds the bearing race, cage, and rollers, allowing for axial and radial abutment, enabling easy use across various engine configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional mounting tools are used, then the mounting operation can be performed, but the race and rollers may be damaged due to insufficient protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of race and rollersVSAvoidrisk of breakage and premature dismantling

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool employs nested cylindrical envelopes where the first envelope covers the upstream end part of the race, and the second envelope covers the cage and rollers while at least partly surrounding the first envelope. This nested structure provides layered protection for all critical bearing components during mounting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective envelopes are divided into sectored sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the tool to be easily configured for different engine types while maintaining comprehensive protection of the bearing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional mounting tools are used, then the mounting operation can be performed, but the tools are heavy, bulky and complex to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of useVSAvoidcomplexity of tool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into modular components including sectored envelopes, a locking annulus, and a cylindrical ring that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This modular design simplifies handling and storage while reducing overall complexity compared to traditional monolithic mounting tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool design with adjustable envelopes and locking mechanisms allows it to accommodate multiple engine types and configurations, replacing the need for multiple specialized tools. This universal design reduces complexity by consolidating functions into a single adaptable tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mounting tools are used, then a specific engine configuration can be serviced, but a different tool is required for another engine configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different engine configurationsVSAvoidnumber of different tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool incorporates adjustable sectored envelopes and a locking annulus mechanism that can be configured to accommodate different engine types, including both minor and major module configurations. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining adaptability to various mounting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool features dynamic, adjustable components including the sectored envelopes that can be positioned and locked at different configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same tool to service multiple engine types without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement of the entire tool assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If traditional mounting tools are used, then the mounting operation can be performed, but human errors in faulty use may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of human errorVSAvoidease of correct usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features where the sectored envelopes and locking annulus automatically position themselves during assembly. This self-service mechanism reduces reliance on operator skill and minimizes the risk of human error in faulty use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking annulus acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the operator's actions and the mounting operation. It provides a controlled, standardized interface that guides correct usage and prevents faulty operations, thereby reducing human error while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9938856B2Tool for fitting an inner bearing race carrying a bearing cage and screws for retaining in a turbomachine

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a tool for fitting an inner bearing race carrying a bearing cage and rollers and screws in a turbomachine, comprising two sectored cylindrical casings which respectively cover an upstream end part of the race and the bearing cage, a cylindrical annulus which surrounds the second casing, and a locking ring which is fitted on an upstream part of the first casing and which has means for axially pressing against the annulus and for axially clamping the second casing between the annulus and the heads of the screws carried by the flange.