Single-Piece Turbine Engine Module to Eliminate Fastening Leaks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft turbine engine designs have multiple components that require numerous fastening systems, leading to potential leakage risks, increased mass, and complexity in construction and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece module for the aircraft turbine engine is manufactured using additive manufacturing, integrating the annular casing, sealing rings, and bearing support, reducing the need for fastening systems and simplifying the design and manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (casing, sealing rings, bearing support) are used with fastening systems, then assembly flexibility and maintenance are improved, but device complexity, mass, and leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the casing, sealing rings, and bearing support into a single monoblock component manufactured by additive manufacturing. This eliminates all fastening systems between these components, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional integration. The sealing rings are formed as integral parts of the casing structure, removing the need for separate fastening operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components with fastening systems are used, then ease of manufacture of individual parts is improved, but overall productivity and assembly simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple parts into one monoblock structure that can be manufactured in a single additive manufacturing process. This eliminates sequential assembly operations, fastening operations, and quality checks between components, significantly improving productivity despite the advanced manufacturing technique required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are assembled together, then adaptability and replacement of individual parts are improved, but reliability due to leakage risks between elements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates leakage risks by forming the casing and sealing rings as a monoblock with integral sealing structures. The sealing rings are not separate components that can leak at joints, but are formed as continuous integral structures within the additive manufactured component, ensuring hermetic sealing throughout the assembly.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing methods are used for multiple components, then manufacturing precision of individual parts is maintained, but overall mass and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses additive manufacturing to create a monoblock structure that eliminates redundant material from fastening systems, flanges, and joints between separate components. The digital modeling ensures precise geometric control, while the additive process removes unnecessary material, reducing mass by eliminating fastening systems and reducing the number of elements in the construction of the ring and turbine engine module.
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
This approach significantly reduces the module's mass by 25-30% and enhances thermal management through integrated cooling orifices, while simplifying assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
this production being preferably carried out by additive manufacturing
Implementation Method 2
enhances thermal management through integrated cooling orifices
Data Source
AI summary
A module for an aircraft turbine engine including at least one annular casing of an annular combustion chamber, at least one sealing ring for a turbine wheel, and at least one annular bearing support, wherein this module is made in one piece.