Spring-Loaded Mounting Boss for Gas Turbine Stress Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine cases face challenges due to thermal stresses and vibrational loads, which existing mounting schemes struggle to effectively manage while also considering cost and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that includes a fastener with a bolt, mounting boss, and spring, where the bolt is captive in the mounting boss, allowing the boss to move and absorb stresses, and utilizing a resilient c-ring or threaded features for retention, to align and secure components to the engine case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid mounting scheme is used to securely attach components to the engine case, then the component retention is improved, but the mounting scheme cannot effectively absorb thermal stresses and vibrational loads
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting scheme transitions from a rigid static connection to a dynamic system where the spring allows relative movement between the component and engine case. The spring constant is selected to provide the desired stiffness, allowing the system to dynamically respond to thermal expansion and vibrational loads while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant is specifically selected to achieve the desired stiffness for the mounting scheme. By changing the physical parameter of spring stiffness, the system can simultaneously provide secure retention and absorb harmful stresses and vibrations.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting schemes are used, then the component can be attached to the engine case, but the scheme does not effectively manage thermal stresses and vibrational loads while considering cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mounting scheme is self-adjusting and requires minimal maintenance. The spring automatically compensates for thermal expansion and contraction, and the locating pin with retention feature self-retains the component without additional fastening operations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting scheme is divided into distinct functional components: the spring for stress absorption, the locating pin for positioning, and the retention feature for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining cost effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a secure fastening system is used to prevent component misplacement, then the retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pin and retention feature are combined into a single integrated component. The pin serves dual functions: locating the component in the correct position and retaining it through the retention feature, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating pin with retention feature performs multiple functions: positioning the component, providing a mounting surface for the spring, and securing the component through the retention feature. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure retention.
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 solution effectively manages thermal and vibrational stresses, provides design flexibility, and reduces the risk of component misplacement, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective mounting scheme.
Implementation Method 1
the spring allowing the mounting boss to move with respect to the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A mount according to an example of the present disclosure includes a locating pin, a load pin, a fastener, the fastener configured to retain a component on at least one of the locating pin and the load pin, the fastener including a bolt, a mounting boss and a spring, the spring allowing the mounting boss to move with respect to the bolt, and wherein the bolt is held captive in the mounting boss with a captive feature. A gas turbine engine and a method of mounting a component are also disclosed.