Split Vernier Ring for Turbine Rotor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional full-hoop Vernier rings face limitations in assembly due to the need for all features to protrude radially inward, which can be obstructed by radial protrusions on the shaft, leading to installation challenges and potential loosening during operation due to vibration.
Innovation Solution
A split Vernier ring design, comprising two or more segments with inner and outer tabs, allows for installation by avoiding radial protrusions and providing anti-rotation functionality, enabling installation in locations where traditional rings fail and offering symmetrical segments for easier manufacturing and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full-hoop Vernier ring is used to prevent nut unwinding, then anti-rotation functionality is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult due to obstruction by radial protrusions on the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The Vernier ring is divided into multiple segments (typically two) that can be assembled separately and then joined together to form the complete ring. This segmentation allows the segments to be installed on the shaft before the radial protrusions are fully in place, avoiding assembly obstruction while maintaining the complete anti-rotation functionality when assembled.
2Reliability
If a full-hoop Vernier ring is used to ensure complete coverage, then anti-rotation reliability is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the Vernier ring into segments, the total material required can be optimized. Each segment can be sized precisely to cover only the necessary portions of the shaft and nut interface, reducing excess material while ensuring complete anti-rotation coverage when segments are assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts only the essential functional portions needed for anti-rotation, placing material strategically where it is needed for engagement with shaft slots and nut protrusions, rather than using a continuous full-hoop design that requires material throughout the entire circumference.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A power turbine rotor assembly including a rotor shaft. The assembly also includes a rotor stack surrounding the rotor shaft. The assembly further includes a nut (68) axially retaining the rotor stack. The assembly yet further includes a Vernier ring (70; 170) engaged with the nut (68) and the rotor shaft, the Vernier ring having an inner ring (72; 172), a plurality of inner tabs (76) extending radially inward from the inner ring, and a plurality of outer tabs (78) extending radially outward from the inner ring, the Vernier ring formed of at least two ring segments.