Gas Turbine Tie Shaft With Internal Grooves for Modular Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine engines face challenges in efficient assembly and disassembly of components due to their complex structure, particularly with the tie shaft, which complicates maintenance and repair, especially with advancements in reduced size and increased speeds and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A tie shaft with internal grooves at both ends that can be stretched using a tool assembly to axially decouple from the rotating group, allowing for the removal and reinstallation of components without complete disassembly, enabling more efficient maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If conventional tie shaft mechanisms are used to maintain position and alignment of rotating components, then mechanical strength and structural stability are ensured, but complete disassembly is required for component maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The tie shaft is segmented into modular components: a body portion, a first retainment feature at the forward end, and a second retainment feature at the aft end. These segmented features allow independent access and maintenance of rotating components without complete disassembly, while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the tie shaft assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the tie shaft retains rotating components axially during operation, then position stability is maintained, but component access for cleaning and repair becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainment features provide dynamic retention: during normal operation, the first and second retainment features maintain axial position and alignment of rotating components; during maintenance, these same features can be selectively engaged or disengaged to allow component access, providing both stability and accessibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainment features act as intermediary mechanisms between the tie shaft body and rotating components. They provide the interface that enables both secure retention during operation and controlled release during maintenance, mediating between the conflicting requirements of stability and accessibility.
3Productivity
If reduced physical size and increased speeds and temperatures are implemented in gas turbine engines, then power density and efficiency are improved, but component access and maintenance become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented tie shaft design with distributed retainment features allows maintenance personnel to access and service individual rotating components in compact engine configurations without requiring complete disassembly, making maintenance feasible despite reduced engine size and increased integration.
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
This solution allows for modular disassembly and assembly of gas turbine engine components, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing the need for complete engine disassembly, thus addressing the mechanical limitations and service complexities of current engine designs.
Implementation Method 1
exerting an outward axial force on the interior surface of the tie shaft at a forward end and at an aft end to stretch the tie shaft to axially decouple the tie shaft from the rotating group
Data Source
AI summary
A tie shaft for a rotating group of an engine core includes a cylindrical body having an internal surface and an external surface and extending between a forward end and an aft end. The tie shaft further includes a first group of internal grooves on the internal surface of the cylindrical body proximate to the forward end and a second group of internal grooves on the internal surface of the cylindrical body proximate to the aft end.