Split-Ring Frictional Damper for Turbomachinery Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dampers for turbomachinery are costly, complex, and difficult to assemble, while also failing to provide effective vibrational damping and sealing functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A frictional damper comprising a split ring and a disk spring, where the disk spring is tensioned by the split ring, is used to provide frictional damping and sealing between the inner and outer conduits, allowing for easy installation and maintaining significant damping and sealing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dampers with spring preloaded are used, then vibrational damping function is provided, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is divided into two separate components: a split ring and a disk spring. The split ring can be installed independently on the outer conduit, and the disk spring is inserted separately onto the inner conduit. This segmentation allows for simpler assembly where components are installed independently rather than as a complex integrated unit, resolving the contradiction between providing damping function and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk spring is nested within the space defined by the split ring and conduit seats. The disk spring fits into the annular space between the inner conduit and the split ring, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting arrangement provides the damping function while maintaining a space-efficient design that simplifies the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If traditional dampers are used, then sealing function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper uses simple, inexpensive components: a split ring made from a single piece of material and a standard disk spring. These components can be manufactured using basic machining and spring forming processes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to complex traditional dampers. The simplicity of the components allows for easy replacement if needed, aligning with the principle of using cost-effective, simple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the split ring and disk spring provides multiple functions simultaneously: frictional damping through the spring's deformation and sealing through the contact between the split ring and conduit surfaces. This multi-functionality is achieved with simple, inexpensive components rather than requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If simple damper structures are used, then assembly is simplified, but damping effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The disk spring provides dynamic damping through its elastic deformation as it compresses and expands in response to vibrations between the inner and outer conduits. This dynamic response maintains damping effectiveness while the simple two-component structure (split ring and disk spring) keeps assembly straightforward. The spring's inherent elasticity provides the necessary damping force without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The split ring is pre-installed on the outer conduit in a relaxed state, creating a prepared structure that guides the subsequent installation of the disk spring. This preliminary action simplifies the overall assembly process by establishing the outer component first, allowing the inner spring component to be easily positioned and tensioned within the defined space, thereby maintaining both assembly ease and damping effectiveness.
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 frictional damper is easy to install, cost-effective, and maintains effective damping and sealing functions, even under conditions of thermal growth, wear, or elastic strain, without requiring modifications to existing hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a disk spring positioned against the split ring and tensioned by the split ring in an installed state
Implementation Method 2
The frictional damper provides frictional damping and sealing between the inner and outer conduits
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a frictional damper, a frictional damper assembly and method for installing the frictional damper. The frictional damper comprises a split ring; and a disk spring positioned against the split ring and tensioned by the split ring in an installed state.