Spoke Locking Washer with Anti-Rotation Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking features for structural spokes in gas turbine engines require multiple pieces and radial clearance for installation, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential loosening issues.
Innovation Solution
A spoke locking arrangement using a washer with anti-rotation tabs and a deformed notch, which is threaded with bolts to securely engage with the structural spoke, providing rotational locking without the need for extensive clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking features are used, then the connection between spokes and structural rings is secured, but multiple individual pieces and radial clearance are required, increasing assembly complexity and potential loosening issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate locking features into a single integrated washer component. The washer includes an anti-rotation notch, mounting slots, and anti-rotation tabs all in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple individual locking pieces and simplifying the overall locking mechanism while maintaining connection integrity
2Reliability
If conventional locking features are used, then the connection is secured, but sufficient radial clearance is required for installation, increasing the area and volume of the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the locking mechanism from requiring radial clearance to requiring axial compression space. The anti-rotation notch engages with the spoke in the axial direction through plastic deformation, allowing the locking feature to function in a different dimensional space and eliminating the need for significant radial clearance
3Reliability
If multiple individual locking pieces are used, then the connection is secured, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple locking functions into a single washer component, the assembly process is simplified to installing one piece rather than multiple individual locking features. This single component performs anti-rotation, bolt mounting, and spoke locking functions simultaneously, significantly reducing assembly time and labor requirements
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 multiple bolts and spokes against rotation, reducing assembly complexity, weight, and cost while minimizing the risk of loosening, and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the washer having a portion thereof plastically deformed in an anti-rotation notch defined in the structural part
Implementation Method 2
a set of anti-rotation tabs on said washer individually locking the bolts against rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A spoke locking arrangement comprising a washer seated in a seat defined in a structural ring of a gas turbine engine, the washer having a portion thereof plastically deformed into an anti-rotation notch defined in the structural ring, thereby locking the washer against rotation in the seat, the washer further comprising a set of holes for receiving corresponding bolts, and wherein the washer further has at least one anti-rotation tab at each hole, the anti-rotation tabs being deformable in engagement with the bolts to individually lock the same against rotation.