Segmented Retaining Ring for Turbine Rotor Disk Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for axially retaining blades in low-pressure turbines are complex to manufacture and mount, and they often require dismantling of turbine stages to access bolted connections for balancing, which adds weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A segmented retaining ring system that fits into radial grooves and notches on the rotor disk, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment of weights to balance the disk without additional flanges or dismantling, featuring angular segments with varying weights and foldable tongues to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a segmented retaining ring system is used, then ease of manufacture and mounting is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is divided into multiple angular segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled in place. This segmentation allows each segment to be produced using standard machining processes without requiring complex tooling or assembly operations, thereby improving ease of manufacture while the modular nature simplifies installation and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring segments serve multiple functions: they retain the blades axially, provide balance weight adjustment capability, and can be configured in different patterns to accommodate various blade arrangements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate balancing weights and flanges, simplifying the overall device while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Stability of the object's composition
If balance weights are added to correct unbalance, then rotor disk balance is improved, but total weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring segments are designed with non-uniform weight distribution, where specific segments have greater mass than others. This local variation in weight allows precise correction of rotor disk unbalance by strategically placing heavier segments opposite to the unbalance condition, achieving balance without adding overall weight to the system
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing function is merged into the retaining ring structure itself. By incorporating variable weight segments directly into the blade retention device, the patent eliminates the need for separate balance weights and dedicated flanges, achieving rotor disk balance without increasing total weight
3Stability of the object's composition
If flanges are added for fastening balance weights, then rotor disk balance is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring segments serve dual purposes: they provide axial retention for the blades and simultaneously function as balance weights. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flanges and dedicated balance weight components, reducing device complexity while achieving rotor disk balance
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing function is merged into the retaining ring structure itself. By incorporating variable weight segments directly into the blade retention device, the patent eliminates the need for separate balance weights and dedicated flanges, achieving rotor disk balance without increasing total weight
Data Source
AI summary
A device for axially retaining blades mounted on a turbomachine rotor disk is disclosed. The device includes a rotor disk having a plurality of slots and a flange extending radially outwards, cooperating with a bearing face of the disk to define a groove that is open radially outwards. The device also includes a plurality of blades, each having a root mounted in a slot of the disk, each blade root having a respective radial bearing face that corresponds to the bearing face of the disk and that has at least one nib extending radially inwards thereover to define a notch that is open radially inwards, and a retaining ring that is mounted against the bearing faces of the disk and of the blade roots. The retaining ring is housed in the groove of the disk, is held outwardly in the notches of the blade roots, and is constituted by a plurality of angular segments placed end to end.