Stator Radial Height Adjustment Mechanism for Clearance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine engines require multiple stators of different radial heights for knife edge clearance tests, necessitating frequent disassembly and reassembly, which introduces noise and potential damage to instrumentation during measurements.
Innovation Solution
A stator assembly with a radial height adjustment mechanism, allowing for adjustable primary clearance between the stator and rotor elements using a measurable parameter like capacitance, without the need for component disassembly, utilizing a radial shaft, nut, and shim system to adjust the stator's position relative to the case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple stators of different radial heights are used for knife edge clearance tests, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to frequent disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The stator incorporates an adjustable radial height mechanism that allows the stator's radial position to be dynamically changed during operation. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed stators of different heights, as a single stator can be adjusted to various positions to accommodate different clearance measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural component and as a measurement reference. The adjustable mechanism enables one stator to perform the functions previously requiring multiple stators, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple stators are replaced during tests, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows operators to change stator radial height in-place during testing, eliminating time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations. This significantly improves test execution speed while maintaining the ability to achieve precise clearance measurements.
3Measurement precision
If disassembly and reassembly are performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is preserved, but harmful effects increase due to noise and potential damage to instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stator mechanism enables height changes without disassembling the instrumented rotor assembly. This eliminates the harmful effects of frequent disassembly and reassembly, including noise generation and potential damage to delicate instrumentation, while still allowing precise clearance measurements to be obtained.
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
Enables precise adjustment of stator height without disassembly, reducing measurement noise and potential damage, while minimizing manufacturing efforts and ensuring accurate, confident measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The stator element includes an inboard portion which establishes a primary clearance with the rotor elements and exhibits a measurable parameter corresponding to the primary clearance, such as a capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
A stator assembly is provided and includes a stator element and a radial height adjustment mechanism. The stator assembly includes an inboard portion which establishes a primary clearance with rotor elements and exhibits a measurable parameter corresponding to the primary clearance and an outboard portion integrally formed with the inboard portion. The radial height adjustment mechanism is coupled with the outboard portion and configured to be operable, based on the measurable parameter, to adjust a radial height of the stator element and in turn to adjust the primary clearance.