Sectorized Engine Connecting Device for Axial Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connections between rotating pieces in a turbine engine face axial misalignment issues, leading to high stresses and potential damage due to coupled radial and tangential deformations of studs, which are not adequately addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

The second annular part of the connecting device is sectorized, allowing each sector to operate independently, and the studs are designed with a widening section parallel to the engine axis, providing radial flexibility to compensate for axial misalignment and decoupling radial and tangential deformations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid connecting device is used between the first and second annular parts, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to compensate for axial misalignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidability to compensate for axial misalignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second annular part is divided into multiple independent sectors (e.g., 12 sectors) that can deform independently. Each sector is connected to the first annular part by curved studs, allowing the structure to segment the deformation load and accommodate axial misalignment while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic one where the curved studs and sectorized annular parts can deform elastically. The studs have a curved profile that allows them to bend and absorb radial and tangential deformations, enabling the structure to adapt to axial misalignment dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If curved studs are used to connect the first and second annular parts, then the ability to accommodate radial and tangential deformations is improved, but the stress concentration on the studs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate radial and tangential deformationsVSAvoidstress concentration on the studs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the second annular part into multiple independent sectors, each stud only needs to accommodate the deformation of its associated sector rather than the entire annular structure. This segmentation distributes the stress concentration across multiple studs and sectors, reducing the peak stress on each individual stud.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second annular part is made as a single continuous piece, then the structural integrity is improved, but the radial flexibility needed to compensate for axial misalignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidradial flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second annular part is segmented into multiple independent sectors that are distributed around the circumference. Each sector maintains structural integrity within itself while the gaps between sectors allow radial flexibility. This segmentation enables the structure to bend and deform radially to accommodate axial misalignment while each sector remains structurally sound.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sectorized annular structure acts as a flexible shell system where each thin sector can deform independently. The curved profile of the studs and the thin-walled sectors create a flexible structure that can accommodate radial and tangential deformations while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed sector arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This solution reduces stress and constraints on the mounting system, enabling it to support operational requirements without hindering natural engine part displacements and ensuring the engine can withstand fan blade break-off tests without significant modifications.

Implementation Method 1

the studs each have, substantially from the curving, a part globally oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the engine and having a section which laterally widens towards the second annular part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second winding fixed to the rotor disc (present as the so-called «second», then mobile one), electrically connected to the firing system and which electric energy is transmitted to, through an inductive coupling with the first winding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10352326B2Assembly for an engine which can define a blade break-off test device

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 SN DETUDE & DE CONSTR DE MOTEURS DAVIATION (S N E C M A)

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly on an engine, which comprises a first and a second piece mounted so as to rotate relative to one another. A connecting device is provided between such pieces. It comprises a first annular part defining a flange fixed to the first piece a second annular part extending substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the engine and studs connecting the first and second annular parts together. An interface for the rotational sliding about said axis is positioned between the second annular part and the second piece. The second annular part is sectorized.