Segmented Inner Ring Assembly for Turbomachine Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inner ring systems for turbomachines, particularly those used in the first stage of compressors or turbines, suffer from low mechanical stability, leading to deteriorated aerodynamic properties and increased maintenance costs due to relative positioning changes and wear at the blade roots, especially under high loads such as bird strikes.
Innovation Solution
An inner ring system divided into two segments with screw connections to an intermediate housing, which absorbs structural loads and reduces relative movements, enhancing mechanical stability and aerodynamic performance by precise positioning of guide vanes and reducing wear, while also using a single sealing element for radial sealing to prevent flow losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner ring is axially divided into multiple ring segments that are screwed together, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is divided axially into a first ring segment and a second ring segment, which can be assembled and disassembled separately. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and installation while the patent addresses the stability issue through additional fixation to the intermediate housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The first ring segment is fixed to the intermediate housing via screw connections, merging the inner ring structure with the housing structure. This combination provides additional support and stability to the ring segments, preventing relative movements while maintaining the benefits of segmentation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the inner ring segments are screwed together with multiple axial mounting bores, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is segmented axially into multiple ring segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This allows for easier manufacturing of individual segments while the patent compensates for strength loss through screw connections to the intermediate housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate housing acts as an intermediary structure that provides additional anchoring points for the ring segments. By screwing the first ring segment to the intermediate housing, the system gains enhanced mechanical strength without compromising the manufacturability of the segmented structure.
3Device complexity
If the ring segments are held together by guide vane ring only, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a mounting surface for the first ring segment, and contributes to the overall mechanical stability of the system. This multi-functionality adds stability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first ring segment is merged with the intermediate housing through screw connections, creating a more stable integrated structure. This combination provides additional mechanical support while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Stability of the object's composition
If screw connections are used to fix the second ring segment to the intermediate housing, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first ring segment is merged with the intermediate housing through screw connections, creating a stable integrated structure. This approach provides enhanced mechanical stability while the modular segmented design keeps the overall system relatively simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is divided into segments that can be independently assembled and fixed to the intermediate housing. This segmentation allows for controlled complexity, where the screw connections provide necessary stability without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an inner ring system for an inlet guide vane assembly (14) of a turbomachine (10). The inner ring system comprises an intermediate housing (28) for receiving structural loads and an inner ring (26) which is axially divided into a first and a second ring segment (24a, 24b), which together form recesses (22) for supporting radially inner end regions (18) of guide vanes (16) of the inlet guide vane assembly (14), wherein at least the second ring segment (24b) is fixed to the intermediate housing (28) by means of screws. The invention further relates to an inner ring (26) and an intermediate housing (28) for such an inner ring system, as well as a turbomachine (10) with such an inner ring system.