Sectorised Aircraft Engine Casing Groove for Modular Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing propulsion unit assemblies for aircraft turbojets require the entire annular groove to be replaced in case of damage, leading to increased maintenance duration and material wastage, as well as disproportionate stress and wear on certain areas.
Innovation Solution
The intermediate casing extension is segmented into angular sectors that can be replaced individually, allowing for varying materials and designs based on stress levels, with a junction ferrule connecting these sectors to form an annular downstream connecting end, enabling efficient maintenance and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire annular groove is replaced in case of damage, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the maintenance duration increases and material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove is divided into multiple replaceable segments that can be individually replaced when damaged, rather than replacing the entire annular groove structure. This segmentation allows for quick replacement of only the affected segment, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials and designs can be applied to different segments of the annular groove based on their specific stress levels and functional requirements. This allows for optimized local properties where high-wear areas receive more durable materials while other areas use lighter or more cost-effective materials, reducing overall material waste during partial replacements.
2Reliability
If the entire annular groove is replaced in case of damage, then the structural integrity is maintained, but material wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove is divided into multiple replaceable segments that can be individually replaced when damaged, rather than replacing the entire annular groove structure. This segmentation allows for replacement of only the affected segment, significantly reducing material wastage while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design allows the undamaged portions of the annular groove to be retained and reused, while only the damaged segment is discarded and replaced. This selective replacement approach minimizes material wastage by preserving functional components.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform material is used for the entire annular groove, then manufacturing is simplified, but wear resistance is insufficient in high-stress areas
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials and designs can be applied to different segments of the annular groove based on their specific stress levels and functional requirements. This allows for optimized local properties where high-wear areas receive more durable materials while other areas use lighter or more cost-effective materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular groove can incorporate different materials in different segments, creating a composite structure that optimizes wear resistance in high-stress areas while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized segment designs. Each segment can be manufactured separately with appropriate materials and then assembled into the complete annular groove.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an extension (30) of an intermediate casing for an aircraft turbojet engine, designed to project downstream from an outer ferrule of the intermediate casing. This extension comprises an annular downstream connecting end (64) forming an annular groove (66) open radially outwards, intended to receive nacelle cowlings. According to the invention, the annular downstream connecting end (64) is formed using a plurality of angular sectors (76a, 76b).