Hollow Turbine Blade Assembly With Surface Weld Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing turbine blades with hollow passages are complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method involving casting and machining two parts of the blade to form a hollow passage, with welding seams located on different surfaces to minimize deformation and reduce complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the blade is manufactured using the prior art method with multiple cutting and welding operations, then the hollow passage can be formed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is divided into two separate parts (first part and second part) that are cast independently with simplified geometries, then joined together. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured more easily while the assembly creates the hollow passage structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow passage structure is prepared in advance during the casting of the two blade parts, rather than requiring complex machining operations after assembly. The passage geometry is built-in during casting, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional welding methods are used to join blade parts, then the blade can be assembled, but deformation of outlet blade angles occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet blade angle precisionVSAvoidweld joint strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is localized to specific regions (weld seams on surfaces) rather than requiring extensive welding throughout the blade structure. This localized approach minimizes heat-affected zones and prevents deformation of critical outlet blade angles while maintaining necessary joint strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple machining operations are performed to create the hollow passage, then the passage geometry can be achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassage geometry precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow passage geometry is pre-formed during the casting process of the two blade parts, eliminating the need for subsequent complex machining operations to create the passage. This preliminary action maintains geometric precision while dramatically improving manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces deformation of outlet blade angles, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective production of turbine blades with hollow passages.

Implementation Method 1

composing the blade by welding the first part to the second part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4544171B1Method of making a turbine blade and runner comprising such a blade
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP4544171B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4544171B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4544171B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method of making a turbine blade with a passage comprising the following steps: - Providing a first part 4.1 and a second part 4.2; - Machining the first part 4.1 and the second part 4.2 in order to form the profile of the first and the second surface of the blade 4; - Composing the blade 4 by welding the first part 4.1 to the second part 4.2, wherein the welding comprises a first weld seam located on the first surface and a second weld seam located on the second surface of the blade 4; - Machining of the weld seams.