Trapped Rotor Balance Weights for Adjustment Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for adjusting rotor balance in turbine engines require disassembly and are cumbersome, with existing balance weights prone to removal or failure, leading to vibration issues and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A boltless rotor architecture with trapped balance weights that can be moved circumferentially within a channel around the geometric center, allowing for adjustments without disassembly, using a lock nut and dimples or tabs to secure the weights in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable balance weights are used to adjust rotor balance, then balance adjustment is possible, but the weights can fall out if not properly secured, leading to potential damage and requiring disassembly for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is segmented into modular components including the rotor body, lock nut, and channel structure. This segmentation allows the balance weight to be independently positioned and secured within the channel, enabling easy adjustment while maintaining secure retention through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock nut acts as an intermediary component between the balance weight and the rotor assembly. It secures the balance weight within the channel without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, thus maintaining both ease of adjustment and reliable retention.
2Ease of operation
If traditional balance adjustment methods are used, then balance can be adjusted, but disassembly is required which is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The channel and lock nut structure are pre-configured during rotor assembly to accommodate balance weight adjustment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for disassembly during balance adjustment, allowing operators to simply reposition the weight within the channel and secure it with the lock nut, significantly reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance weight is designed to be dynamically repositionable within the channel during operation or maintenance. This dynamic capability allows for quick balance adjustments without requiring the rotor to be disassembled, addressing both ease of operation and time efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If balance weights are allowed to move freely for adjustment, then balance can be optimized, but the weights may become loose and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure and lock nut are designed to prevent the balance weight from becoming loose or detaching. This protective design cushioning ensures that even during repeated adjustments, the weight remains securely contained, eliminating the risk of weight loss and potential damage to the rotor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of a loose weight is converted into a benefit by designing the channel and lock nut system that guides and secures the weight. The structure that could potentially allow movement is instead designed to control and secure the weight, turning a potential failure mode into a reliable retention mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems for trapped rotatable weights to improve rotor balance are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a lock nut; a rotor assembly; a channel defined by the lock nut and the rotor assembly, the channel wrapped circumferentially around a geometric center of the rotor assembly; and a weight trapped within the channel.