Swept-Cone Diffuser OGV Assembly for Low-Leakage Turbine Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines face issues with higher axial displacements at the nozzle support due to thermal expansion, leading to increased gaps and leakage flows, reduced efficiency, and limited engine compactness due to straight-line radial support arm configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a swept cone shape configuration for the outer and inner radial support arms with openings, allowing for cooled cooling air pipes and forward mounting arms to extend through, reducing thermal deflections and enabling compact engine design while maintaining efficient cooling and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight-line radial support arm configuration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but axial displacement increases due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from straight-line radial support arms to swept cone-shaped support arms. This curved configuration allows the support arms to accommodate thermal expansion more effectively, reducing axial displacement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized conical geometry.
2Device complexity
If straight-line radial support arm configuration is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but leakage flows increase due to increased gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The swept cone configuration of the radial support arms reduces the gaps between components caused by thermal expansion, thereby minimizing leakage flows. The conical shape provides a more effective fit that maintains sealing surfaces while preserving structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If straight-line radial support arm configuration is used, then ease of assembly is maintained, but engine compactness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The swept cone-shaped radial support arms enable a more compact engine design by reducing the axial space required for thermal expansion accommodation. The conical geometry allows for tighter packaging of components while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized mounting interfaces.
4Stability of the object's composition
If radial support arms are added for structural support, then stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swept cone configuration provides structural stability with reduced material usage compared to straight-line configurations. The conical shape distributes thermal and mechanical loads more efficiently, achieving the required stability while minimizing weight through optimized geometry.
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 swept cone configuration reduces axial displacements, minimizes leakage, and allows for a more compact engine design with improved cooling efficiency and reduced weight, enhancing overall engine performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
higher axial displacements at the inner nozzle support due to thermal expansion in the rearward direction
Data Source
AI summary
Inner structure diffuser/OGV assemblies for gas turbine engines are disclosed herein. A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in a serial flow arrangement. The combustion section includes an outer casing and an inner structure assembly coupled to the outer casing. The inner structure assembly includes an outer radial support arm, an inner radial support arm, and a diffuser coupled between the outer radial support arm and the inner radial support arm. The outer radial support arm extends at least partially in an axially downstream direction from the diffuser, and the inner radial support arm extends at least partially in the axially downstream direction from the diffuser. The outer radial support arm defines an opening therethrough.