Stator Sector 3D Annular Structure for Vibration-Stressed Junctions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rectifier sectors in turbomachine compressors suffer from mechanical stresses, particularly vibrational responses, leading to damage at junction zones between blades and shells, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A turbomachine stator sector design featuring annular portions with three-dimensional structures and recesses, providing additional flexibility and mechanical strength at junctions by integrating annular portions with blades, produced through additive manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the junction zones between blades and shells are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then structural stability is improved, but mechanical stress and vibration damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible annular portion with a three-dimensional cellular structure at the junction zones between blades and shells. This flexible structure replaces rigid connections, allowing the junction to adapt to vibrational movements while maintaining structural integrity. The cellular geometry provides both flexibility and sufficient mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and stress resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dynamic element (the flexible annular portion) at the junction zones that can deform and adapt under vibrational loads. This dynamic structure allows the connection to remain stable overall while locally accommodating stress through controlled deformation, preventing damage accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the annular portion thickness is reduced to increase flexibility, then flexibility at junctions is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidpartition thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the first partition thickness should be less than 1 mm to achieve the desired flexibility. This parameter change enables the annular portion to deform sufficiently under vibrational loads while the three-dimensional cellular structure maintains adequate strength. The thin partition design directly addresses the flexibility requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing flexibility by making the entire annular portion thin (which would compromise strength), the invention uses a three-dimensional cellular structure that introduces vertical dimensionality. This allows the partition to remain thin for flexibility while the cellular geometry provides structural support through its three-dimensional configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional rigid structures are used at junction zones, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but vibration damping is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidvibration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a three-dimensional cellular structure within the annular portion that resembles a porous or honeycomb configuration. This structure provides excellent vibration damping characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, particularly when using additive manufacturing techniques. The cellular geometry dissipates vibrational energy effectively without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical vibration damping methods (such as separate dampers or complex joint designs) with an integrated flexible annular portion that inherently provides damping through its geometry and material properties. This substitution simplifies the overall manufacturing process while improving vibration resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3918185B1Turbomachine stator sector having flexible regions subjected to high stress

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

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AI summary

A turbomachine stator sector (100) comprises a plurality of vanes (110) extending in a radial direction (DR) between a first end (110a) and a second end (110b) and in an axial direction (DA) between a leading edge (111) and a trailing edge (112). The sector further comprises an inner shroud (120) connected to the first end (110a) of the vanes and an outer shroud (130) connected to the second end (110b) of the vanes. The sector comprises at least one annular portion (140) forming all or part of the inner shroud or of the outer shroud. The annular portion comprises a first partition (141) present at the junction with the first end (110a) or the second end (110b) of the vanes (110) and a second partition (142) held spaced apart from the first partition in the radial direction (DR) by a three-dimensional structure (143) comprising a plurality of cutouts (1430).