Thermal Spray Masking Boots for Turbine Component Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current masking processes for turbine components during coating and grit blasting are inefficient, requiring single-use protective sheets, manual spacing, and result in inconsistent spacing and overspray, increasing preparation time and reducing disc capacity.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently flexible boot system with concave and convex surfaces is used to cover turbine components, featuring securing members and interlocking structures for consistent alignment and support, allowing automatic positioning and protection during coating processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use protective sheets or tape are used for masking turbine components, then the components are protected during coating, but preparation time increases and disc capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The masking boot is designed to be reusable and can be removed and reattached for multiple coating cycles, eliminating the need to create new masking material for each component. The boot serves multiple functions including masking the root area, providing structural support, and enabling consistent positioning of the turbine component on the disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking boot is pre-formed with the correct shape and size to fit specific turbine component geometries. This preliminary preparation of the masking device eliminates the need for time-consuming manual cutting and shaping of masking material for each component, significantly reducing preparation time.
2Ease of operation
If manual spacing of turbine components is performed, then components can be positioned on the disc, but spacing consistency is poor and preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking boot includes integrated positioning features such as protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses on the disc, or attachment mechanisms that automatically position the boot at correct intervals. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for manual measurement and spacing, ensuring consistent positioning of multiple turbine components on the disc.
3Ease of manufacture
If edges of turbine components remain exposed during coating, then coating process is simpler, but overspray occurs requiring additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The masking boot is constructed from flexible masking material that can conform to the edges and contours of the turbine component. This flexible enclosure completely covers the exposed edges of the component, preventing coating material from spraying onto adjacent areas and eliminating the need for post-coating cleanup operations.
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 boot system ensures efficient, consistent masking and alignment of turbine components, reducing overspray and preparation time, and maintaining consistent spacing for improved coating process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first resiliently flexible boot configured to cover a first portion of the turbine component... a second resiliently flexible boot configured to cover a second portion of the turbine component
Data Source
AI summary
A masking and support system for a turbine component includes a first resiliently flexible boot configured to cover a first portion of the turbine component. The first resiliently flexible boot includes a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface opposite the outer surface and configured to engage the first portion of the turbine component. A second resiliently flexible boot is configured to cover a second portion of the turbine component. The second resiliently flexible boot includes a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface opposite the outer surface and configured to engage the second portion of the turbine component.