Shaft Component Locking Arrangement with Damping Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for holding components on shafts are inadequate for environments with high rotational speeds, accelerations, and vibrations, such as gas turbine engines, as they fail to securely maintain components in fixed positions.
Innovation Solution
A holding arrangement comprising a lockplate, a nut with a circumferential groove, a damping element, a lockwasher, and a retaining element, which together provide rotational engagement, damping, and secure fixation of the component on the shaft, preventing loosening due to vibrations and high-speed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nuts and washers are used to hold components on shafts, then the arrangement is simple and easy to manufacture, but the component becomes loose under high rotational speeds, accelerations, and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple functional segments: a lockplate with locking lugs that engage with the shaft, a nut with a circumferential groove, a damping element, a lockwasher, and a retaining element. Each segment performs a specific function (positioning, damping, locking, retaining) to collectively solve the fixation reliability problem under high-stress conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is mounted within the circumferential groove of the nut, and the lockwasher is positioned around the nut. The retaining element connects both the nut and lockwasher, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are integrated within or around larger ones, optimizing space while maintaining functional independence of each element.
2Reliability
If a complex locking arrangement with multiple elements is used, then component fixation reliability improves under high-stress conditions, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking system into separate, standardized segments (lockplate, nut, damping element, lockwasher, retaining element), each component can be manufactured independently using conventional processes, then assembled together. This segmentation maintains manufacturing ease while achieving reliable fixation through the coordinated action of all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is mounted in the circumferential groove of the nut and protrudes outward to engage with the lockwasher, creating a self-contained damping and locking subsystem. The retaining element automatically connects the nut and lockwasher, reducing the need for additional fastening operations and simplifying assembly.
3Reliability
If conventional adhesive methods are used to prevent nut loosening, then the arrangement remains simple, but the method fails under high vibrations and rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The lockplate is pre-positioned on the shaft with its locking lugs engaged before the nut is installed. The damping element is pre-mounted in the nut's circumferential groove. These preliminary positioning actions ensure that when the nut is tightened, the component is already secured against loosening forces from vibrations and high-speed rotation, eliminating the need for adhesives.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element acts as an intermediary between the nut and lockwasher, providing vibration damping and facilitating the locking action. This mechanical intermediary replaces the need for adhesive bonds, using physical engagement and energy dissipation through damping to prevent loosening under high-stress conditions.
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 solution effectively secures components on shafts in high-stress environments by minimizing vibrations and preventing loosening, ensuring reliable operation even under high rotational speeds and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a damping element mounted in the groove and partially outwardly protruding therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
The arrangement comprises parts coaxially mounted on the shaft, the parts including: a lockplate in rotational engagement with the shaft, the lockplate having a first side and a second side, the first side of the lockplate being in engagement with the component; a nut in threaded engagement with the shaft, the nut having a circumferential outer groove, a side of the nut being in pressing engagement with the second side of the lockplate; a damping element mounted in the groove and partially outwardly protruding therefrom; a lockwasher provided around the nut and in rotational engagement with the lockplate, the lockwasher having an interior surface in interfering engagement with the damping element; and a retaining element connected to the nut and to the lockwasher, the retaining element preventing the lockwasher from moving away from the lockplate.