Segmented Guide Vane Mounting for Turbine Engine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine engine fan assemblies require complete disassembly for maintenance or replacement of guide vane assemblies, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A segmented guide vane assembly design featuring a split fan case segment, vanes, and a split retention ring, allowing for radial removal and reassembly without disassembling the entire fan rotor or fan assembly, with features like fasteners, pins, and anti-rotation features for secure engagement and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the guide vane assembly is designed as a complete integrated unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but the entire fan assembly must be disassembled for maintenance or replacement which is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane assembly is divided into multiple segments that can be independently removed. Each segment includes a guide vane, a retention ring, and a fan case segment that can be separated and reassembled independently, allowing maintenance of individual segments without disassembling the entire fan assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vane segments are designed to be extractable from the fan assembly through radial movement. The retention rings engage with the fan case segments to hold the guide vanes in place during operation, but can be released and removed radially for maintenance without affecting other parts of the fan assembly.
2Loss of time
If the guide vane assembly allows radial removal for maintenance, then labor time is reduced, but the structural integrity and secure engagement must be maintained during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retention rings are designed with dynamic engagement features that provide secure holding during operation but allow controlled release for removal. The rings engage with the fan case segments through interlocking features that maintain structural integrity during rotation, yet can be disengaged radially when maintenance is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention rings are pre-positioned and engaged with the fan case segments before operation begins. This preliminary engagement ensures that the guide vanes are securely held in their operational positions, and the same mechanism is prepared in advance to allow quick radial removal when maintenance is needed.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are used for segmented assembly, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each guide vane segment is merged with its corresponding retention ring and fan case segment to form an integrated maintenance unit. These combined segments can be removed and installed as complete units, reducing the need to handle and assemble numerous small individual components separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention rings are designed with universal engagement features that work with multiple fan case segments. The same retention ring design can engage with different guide vane configurations, reducing the variety of unique parts needed while maintaining ease of maintenance across different assembly configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide vane assembly includes a fan case, a vane, and a retention ring. The fan case extends circumferentially partway about an axis. The vane extends radially inward away from the fan case and is coupled to the fan case. The retention ring extends circumferentially partway about the axis and is coupled with the fan case and supports the vane.