Turbine Casing Groove for Segmented Stator Blade Insert
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Changing the stator blade count in turbine engines requires significant rework due to interference between new and existing bore hole locations, leading to machining issues, damage to the structure, and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a circumferentially extending groove in the casing to accommodate a segmented ring insert with a new bore hole pattern, allowing for the secure attachment of stator blades without interfering with existing bore holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stator blade count is changed to improve performance, then engine performance is improved, but machining complexity and downtime increase due to bore hole interference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the bore hole pattern into two independent components: existing bore holes in the casing and new bore holes in the segmented ring insert. This segmentation allows the new stator blade count configuration to be implemented without interfering with the existing bore holes, thereby avoiding complex machining operations while achieving performance improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented ring insert acts as an intermediary component that provides the new bore hole pattern for the modified stator blade count. It mediates between the existing casing structure and the new stator blade configuration, allowing performance improvement without requiring direct modification of the original bore holes
2Adaptability or versatility
If new bore holes are drilled to accommodate changed stator blade count, then stator blade attachment is enabled, but existing structure is damaged and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bore hole pattern is segmented into the original casing bore holes and the inserted ring insert bore holes. This allows the new stator blade count to be accommodated by adding the insert rather than modifying existing holes, preventing structural damage while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented ring insert is pre-configured with the new bore hole pattern corresponding to the desired stator blade count. This preliminary preparation allows the insert to be simply installed into the casing without requiring any harmful machining operations on the existing structure
3Manufacturing precision
If significant rework is performed to correct bore hole interference, then bore hole compatibility is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented ring insert serves as a mediator that provides the new bore hole pattern without requiring modification of existing bore holes. This eliminates the need for time-consuming rework while ensuring precise bore hole alignment for the new stator blade configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the new bore hole pattern from the existing casing structure and places it in a separate segmented ring insert. This extraction avoids the need for complex machining operations on the original casing, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining precise alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modifying a casing of a turbine engine for attaching stator blades within a row of stator blades to the casing, the method including the steps of: forming a circumferentially extending groove in an inboard face of the casing; providing a segmented ring insert that includes bore holes spaced in accordance with a bore hole pattern that corresponds to the row of stator blades; inserting the segmented ring insert into the groove; and securing the segmented ring insert to the casing.