Segmented Liner Lock for Gas Turbine Vane Pack Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engine liner segment designs are cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble and disassemble due to their full ring configuration, which complicates the installation and removal of vanes within the engine casing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of segmented liner segments and a liner lock segment that allows for easier installation and removal by using arcuate segments and an anti-rotation feature, such as a lug, to prevent vane packs from moving circumferentially, facilitating quicker assembly and disassembly of vane packs as a unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full ring liner segment is used, then the liner provides complete coverage and protection within the engine casing, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The full ring liner segment is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can be assembled separately and quickly installed within the engine casing. Each segment can be independently positioned and secured, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining complete circumferential coverage when all segments are installed together.
2Manufacturing precision
If vanes are inserted one at a time into the liner segment, then each vane can be individually positioned, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is segmented to allow pre-assembly of vane packs (groups of vanes) as complete units. Each arcuate liner segment can receive and secure an entire vane pack simultaneously, maintaining precise positioning while dramatically improving assembly efficiency compared to inserting individual vanes one at a time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a full ring liner segment is used, then the liner structure is continuous and stable, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ring liner is divided into discrete arcuate segments that can be independently handled and assembled. Each segment maintains its structural integrity and stability, while the modular nature of segmentation simplifies the assembly process by allowing segments to be installed in a systematic sequence rather than requiring complex manipulation of a single large ring.
4Loss of time
If segmented liner segments are used, then assembly and disassembly time is reduced, but additional features such as anti-rotation features are required
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation feature is integrated directly into the liner segment design itself, combining the liner's primary containment function with the secondary anti-rotation function in a single unified component. This integration adds minimal complexity compared to separate anti-rotation devices while enabling quick assembly and disassembly operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly includes a first vane pack, a second vane pack, and a liner lock segment. The first vane pack has a plurality of vanes each vane with an airfoil, a platform, and forward and aft mounting hooks. The second vane pack has a plurality of vanes each vane with an airfoil, a platform, and forward and aft mounting hooks. The second vane pack is disposed to abut the first vane pack. The liner lock segment is disposed between the first vane pack and the second vane pack.