Segmented Inner Ring for Axial Turbo Compressor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of the inner ring in turbo compressors with adjustable guide vanes suffers from suboptimal mechanical stability, accuracy, and ease of assembly, leading to increased radial and axial dimensions, which affect rotor dynamics and weight, and is prone to screw connection issues and high complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The inner ring is segmented into monolithic parts with radially insertable bearing bushes and a segmented seal carrier, allowing for assembly without additional fasteners and enabling easy replacement of bearing bushes without disassembly, improving mechanical properties and assembly ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inner ring is divided transversely and screwed together, then the assembly is easier in longitudinally divided housing, but the mechanical stability and final accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is divided into two axially separable half-rings that can be assembled independently in the longitudinally divided housing, then joined together. This segmentation allows easier assembly in the split-case housing while maintaining the option for a unified structure through the joining mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-standing inner journals with plate-like plates are nested within the half-rings of the inner ring. The inner journals pass through the half-rings axially, and the plate-like plates are received by complementary depressions in the half-rings, creating a nested assembly that simplifies the joining process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the inner ring is divided transversely and screwed together, then the assembly can be installed in separate housing halves, but the radial and axial dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is segmented into two axially separable half-rings, allowing each half to be installed in the corresponding housing half independently. This segmentation enables installation in longitudinally divided housings without requiring excessive radial or axial clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner journals and plate-like plates are nested within the half-rings, with the plates received by complementary depressions. This nested arrangement minimizes the radial and axial dimensions required for assembly, as components are fitted together in a compact configuration rather than requiring additional clearance for separate fastening elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inner ring is divided transversely, then the assembly is easier in split-case housing, but the rotor dynamics are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is divided into two axially separable half-rings that can be assembled in the split-case housing. Once assembled, the half-rings are joined together to form a unified structure that provides the mechanical integrity needed for optimal rotor dynamics, eliminating the adverse effects of a permanently divided structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-standing inner journals with plate-like plates are nested within the half-rings, creating a mechanically stable configuration. The complementary depressions in the half-rings receive the plates securely, and the axial joining of the half-rings creates a rigid structure that does not adversely affect rotor dynamics.
4Ease of manufacture
If the inner ring is divided longitudinally into four half-rings, then the assembly is easier in split-case housing, but the complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is divided into two axially separable half-rings (not four separate pieces as in the prior art), which reduces the number of components and joining operations required. This segmentation provides enough flexibility for assembly in split-case housing while avoiding the excessive complexity of four separate half-rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-standing inner journals with plate-like plates are nested within the two half-rings, reducing the overall complexity compared to having four separate half-rings with individual bearings. The complementary depressions in the half-rings provide precise positioning, reducing the need for additional alignment features and fastening elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Turbo compressor in an axial type of construction, having a bladed stator and a bladed rotor, and having a longitudinally split compressor casing and a guide blade ring with adjustable guide blades, wherein the guide blades are pivotably mounted about radial axes radially within their aerofoil on an inner ring belonging to the stator. The inner ring is split, i.e. segmented, at at least two points of its circumference; furthermore, the inner ring has for each guide blade at least one bearing bush which can be inserted radially into an opening from inside.