Split-Ring Seal Assembly to Prevent Turbine Seal Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard full-loop W-seals in gas turbine engines are prone to pinching during assembly and buckling due to thermal expansion, as they are delicate and lack sufficient rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ply split-ring seal with an integral assembly clip and optional heat shield is introduced, which increases rigidity and allows for thermal expansion without buckling, using two or more split-rings that can slide relative to each other and are secured with integral clip portions to prevent pinching during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard full-loop W-seal is used, then the seal can be installed between two static components, but it is prone to pinching during assembly and buckling due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple split-rings (typically two or more) that are stacked together. Each split-ring is a separate element that can expand and contract independently, preventing the pinching and buckling issues that occur with a single continuous W-seal. The segmentation allows the seal to maintain structural integrity while accommodating thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple split-rings are combined into a multi-ply assembly where they work together as a unified sealing structure. The split-rings are stacked and secured with clip portions that integrate them into a single functional unit, providing both the individual flexibility of separate rings and the collective strength of a combined assembly.
2Device complexity
If a standard full-loop W-seal is used, then the seal structure is simple, but it is delicate and susceptible to damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seal into multiple robust split-rings rather than a single delicate W-seal, the structure becomes inherently more durable during assembly. Each split-ring is a simpler, more robust element that resists pinching and damage, even though the overall assembly involves multiple components.
3Strength
If a multi-ply split-ring seal with integral clip is used, then the seal rigidity is enhanced and buckling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip portions are integrated directly into the split-ring structure, merging the retention function into the seal elements themselves. This integration reduces the need for separate external clips or fastening mechanisms, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining the multi-ply structure's rigidity and buckling resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral clip portions on the split-rings self-secure the multi-ply assembly together without requiring additional external fasteners or complex assembly mechanisms. The clips on adjacent split-rings engage with each other, allowing the seal to self-assemble and self-retain, reducing overall device complexity.
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 multi-ply split-ring seal assembly facilitates assembly, reduces or eliminates buckling due to thermal expansion, enhances the seal's rigidity, and reduces thermal stresses, thereby increasing its lifetime and reducing heat transfer across the seal.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-ply split-ring seal with an integral assembly clip and optional heat shield is introduced, which increases rigidity and allows for thermal expansion without buckling
Implementation Method 2
A multi-ply split-ring seal with an integral assembly clip and optional heat shield is introduced
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal assembly (66; 124) for a gas turbine engine (20) includes first and second split-ring seals (80, 82). The first split-ring seal (80) includes circumferentially separated first and second ends (84, 86), laterally separated first and second edges (88, 90), a first sealing lobe (114) adjacent the first edge (88), and a first integral clip portion (100) adjacent the second edge (90). The first sealing lobe (114) has a curved surface extending laterally outward from the first edge (88). The second split-ring seal (82) is slidably received and nested in the first seal (80). The second split-ring seal (82) includes circumferentially separated third and fourth ends (92, 94) and laterally separated third and fourth edges (96, 98).