Segmented Seal Structure for Thermal Expansion and Groove Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal devices in gas turbines experience abrasion and cracking due to relative displacement and thermal expansion, leading to locally-strong friction and internal stress, which compromises their sealing effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
A seal device with a partitioning member and seal members designed to accommodate relative displacement and thermal expansion, featuring projecting elements and flexible materials to minimize friction and stress, allowing for long-term sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plate-shaped seal device is used to seal clearance between coupled platforms, then sealing function is achieved, but relative movement between the seal device and groove surfaces causes local friction and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device is divided into multiple independent seal members (first seal member and second seal member) that can move relative to each other. Each seal member contacts a different groove surface, allowing independent movement that reduces friction and prevents localized abrasion while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a plate-shaped seal device contacts groove inner surfaces, then sealing is achieved, but thermal expansion causes deformation and internal stress leading to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device employs a dynamic configuration where the first and second seal members can move relative to each other along the longitudinal direction. This dynamic capability allows the seal device to accommodate thermal expansion and deformation of the grooves without generating excessive internal stress, preventing cracking while maintaining sealing function.
3Reliability
If the seal device is made rigid to maintain sealing contact, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to groove displacement and deformation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal device is segmented into multiple movable seal members that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation provides adaptability to groove displacement and deformation while maintaining sealing effectiveness, as each segment can follow the local groove geometry changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal device incorporates flexible elements including a partitioning member with projecting portions and seal members with hollow structures. These flexible components enable the seal device to adapt to thermal expansion and relative displacement of the grooves while maintaining continuous sealing contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The seal device maintains effective sealing properties by reducing friction and stress, preventing abrasion and cracking, and ensuring durability even with groove displacement and thermal deformation.
Implementation Method 1
deformation of the grooves themselves due to thermal expansion occurs
Implementation Method 2
locally-strong friction force is generated
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a seal device configured so that seal properties can be held over a long period of time. A seal device 1 inserted into and disposed between grooves 51 each formed at first and second components 50A, 50B which are adjacent to each other and collectively form a housing structure includes a first seal member 2A inserted into the groove 51 of the first component 50A, a second seal member 2B inserted into the groove 51 of the second component 50B, and a partitioning member 3 extending between the first and second seal members 2A, 2B to partition a space between the grooves 51 of the first and second components 50A, 50B and arranged movably relative to the first and second seal members 2A, 2B.