Tie Rod-Locking Nut Assembly for Gas Turbine Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tie rod-locking nuts in gas turbines are prone to loosening due to vibrations during operation, compromising the operational stability of the turbine.
Innovation Solution
A tie rod-locking nut assembly comprising a tie rod-locking nut, a jack bolt-locking nut, an anti-loosening washer, and a locking plate is designed to prevent loosening by engaging with the jack bolt and tie rod, utilizing a caulked contact area and threaded engagement to stabilize the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tie rod-locking nut is used, then the structure is simple, but the locking nut loosens due to vibrations during gas turbine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: tie rod-locking nut, jack bolt-locking nut, anti-loosening washer, and locking plate. Each component performs a specific function, and together they form a comprehensive anti-loosening system that prevents loosening under vibration while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack bolt-locking nut is inserted into the tie rod-locking nut, creating a nested structure. The anti-loosening washer is then wrapped around the jack bolt-locking nut, and the locking plate covers the washer. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple locking functions within a limited space.
2Reliability
If multiple locking components are added to prevent loosening, then the anti-loosening performance improves, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a coordinated system where the tie rod-locking nut provides primary threading engagement, the jack bolt-locking nut provides secondary engagement, the anti-loosening washer provides friction-based prevention, and the locking plate provides mechanical constraint. This merging creates a unified locking solution that addresses vibration-induced loosening through combined action.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack bolt-locking nut acts as an intermediary component between the tie rod-locking nut and the anti-loosening washer. It transmits and distributes locking forces, enabling the larger tie rod-locking nut to engage the jack bolt while allowing the anti-loosening washer to effectively secure the assembly against rotational loosening.
3Reliability
If the anti-loosening washer wraps around the jack bolt-locking nut, then loosening is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-loosening washer is formed with a specific non-circular cross-sectional shape that allows it to wrap around the jack bolt-locking nut. This shape parameter change enables the washer to conform to the nut's geometry, creating mechanical interference that prevents loosening while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes.
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 assembly effectively prevents loosening of the tie rod-locking nut, enhancing the operational stability and reliability of the gas turbine.
Implementation Method 1
a tie rod-locking nut threaded onto a jack bolt; a locking plate formed to cover the anti-loosening washer and engaging with an outer circumferential surface of the tie rod
Implementation Method 2
a contact area between the jack bolt-locking nut and the anti-loosening washer may be caulked
Data Source
AI summary
A tie rod-locking nut assembly includes a tie rod-locking nut threaded onto a jack bolt, a jack bolt-locking nut inserted between the tie rod-locking nut and the jack bolt, an anti-loosening washer formed to wrap around an outer circumferential surface of the jack bolt-locking nut to prevent loosening of the jack bolt-locking nut, and a locking plate formed to cover the anti-loosening washer and engaging with an outer circumferential surface of the tie rod.