Stepped Finger Retainer for Ceramic Matrix Composite Shroud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retention systems for gas turbine engines with disparate materials, such as ceramic matrix composite turbine shrouds and metallic mounts, require complex arrangements of pins and springs, leading to increased assembly time and cost due to a high part count.
Innovation Solution
A retention assembly featuring a retainer with a flange and parallel fingers that extend into slots on the turbine shroud mount, providing a simplified and reduced part count solution for radially and circumferentially coupling stationary components, utilizing a nickel or cobalt alloy retainer to securely fasten the turbine shroud to the mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retention systems with pins and springs are used to couple ceramic matrix composite turbine shrouds and metallic mounts, then reliable retention is achieved, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple retention functions into a single integrated retainer component that replaces conventional pin and spring assemblies. The retainer includes a body with fingers that engage slots in the turbine shroud and mounting features that couple to the metallic mount, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate pins, springs, and fasteners into one unified part, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining retention reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides retention forces, positional alignment, and mechanical coupling between the ceramic turbine shroud and metallic mount. The fingers engage with slots to provide both radial and axial positioning, while the body incorporates mounting features for secure attachment, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function
2Reliability
If conventional retention systems with multiple components are used, then secure coupling is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple retention functions into a single retainer component, the number of discrete parts that must be individually handled, positioned, and assembled is dramatically reduced. The single retainer can be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple pins, springs, and fasteners separately, directly reducing assembly time while maintaining coupling security through the integrated design
3Reliability
If conventional retention systems with numerous components are used, then adequate retention is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The consolidation of multiple retention components into a single retainer reduces the total part count, which directly lowers manufacturing costs by reducing material purchases, inventory management, quality inspection of multiple parts, and assembly operations. The integrated design maintains retention adequacy while eliminating the cost penalties associated with multi-component systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a retention assembly for a gas turbine component including a first and a second gas turbine wall respectively defining a first and a second surface. A retainer, positioned between the first and the second surfaces, includes a flange, which contacts the first surface. A plurality of fingers extends outwardly from the flange. A first finger portion extends away from the first turbine wall toward the second wall. A second finger portion connected to the first finger portion extends substantially parallel to the flange. The second finger portion of a first finger of the plurality of fingers is positioned in a first slot defined in the second surface. The second finger portion of a second finger of the plurality of fingers adjacent to the first finger is positioned on the second surface adjacent to the first slot.