Turbine Engine Shaft Centering for Precise Module Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of multibody gas turbine engines, particularly the mounting of the low-pressure turbine module on a high-pressure body, faces challenges due to the risk of misalignment and damage during docking, requiring complex and heavy centring tools to ensure precision and prevent corrosion and stress on the components.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a centring element with a guiding tube that slides between positions to insert into a hollow hub, providing precise axial guidance and reducing the risk of misalignment, while a shaft guide ensures correct centring and engagement of labyrinth seals, simplifying handling and reducing the weight of the tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If heavy and complex centring tools are used to ensure precision during docking, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centring tool is divided into two separate components: a centring element that is inserted into the hollow hub, and a guiding tube that is inserted into the first module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall tool design while maintaining centring precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring element acts as an intermediary component inserted into the hollow hub to provide a reference surface. The guiding tube acts as another intermediary that guides the shaft along the longitudinal axis. These intermediary elements enable precise centring without requiring complex heavy-duty tools.
2Reliability
If heavy centring tools are used to prevent misalignment and damage, then reliability is improved, but weight of the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tool into a lightweight centring element and a guiding tube, the overall weight is reduced compared to a single heavy complex tool, while each segment contributes to ensuring docking reliability through its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring element and guiding tube are designed to self-align and work together automatically during the docking process. The centring element provides the reference, and the guiding tube follows, creating a self-servicing system that ensures reliability without requiring heavy external support structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex centring tools are used to ensure precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into two simple components that can be independently inserted and positioned. This makes the operation simpler and more intuitive compared to manipulating a single complex heavy tool, while still achieving precise alignment through the coordinated action of both elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring element and guiding tube serve as simple intermediary components that facilitate the docking operation. Their straightforward insertion and automatic alignment functions improve ease of operation compared to complex adjustment mechanisms required by traditional heavy tools.
4Device complexity
If traditional docking methods are used without specialized centring tools, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to risk of misalignment and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces two simple intermediary elements (centring element and guiding tube) that enable precise docking. These intermediaries provide the necessary geometric constraints for accurate alignment without requiring complex heavy-duty equipment, thus improving precision while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring element and guiding tube are designed to automatically self-align during insertion and docking. This self-service capability ensures manufacturing precision through their inherent geometric design, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or heavy support tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assembling a turbine engine is configured for centering a shaft of a second module relative to a longitudinal axis of a hollow hub placed in front of a first module, the first module including a longitudinal cavity opening at the front into the hollow hub and passing through the first module until a rear end, the shaft configured to be inserted into the longitudinal cavity. The device includes a centering element and a guiding tube. The centering element is configured to be placed in the hollow hub. The guiding tube is configured to enter into at least one portion of the longitudinal cavity of the first module. The device is arranged so that the guiding tube slides inside the centering element. The invention also relates to the assembly formed by the device and a calibration jig, as well as an assembly method using same.