Gas Turbine Fixture Transfer Block for Unobstructed Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining processes for gas turbine engine components, such as turbine blades, require multiple nesting fixtures due to interference from datum locators, datum locator arms, and clamping arms, leading to increased setup time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A tooling fixture assembly with a component nesting fixture and transfer block cradle that allows precise positioning and orientation of turbine blades using datum locators and a clamping arm, enabling the use of a single fixture for machining without interference from the machining tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nesting fixtures with datum locators and clamping arms are used, then the component can be securely positioned, but the fixtures block the line of sight required for machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture system is divided into modular components: a base fixture for positioning and a separate transfer block for machining. The component is first positioned on the base fixture using datum locators, then transferred to the transfer block which provides unobstructed machining access while maintaining positional accuracy through precision interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer block serves as an intermediary device between the positioning fixture and the machining operation. It receives the precisely positioned component from the base fixture and holds it in a configuration that allows machining tools to access all surfaces without obstruction from datum locators or clamping arms.
2Productivity
If multiple nesting fixtures are used to eliminate interference, then machining accessibility is improved, but setup time and tooling costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer block is designed as a universal fixture that can accommodate components positioned on the base fixture and provide all necessary machining access from a single setup. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized nesting fixtures, reducing both setup time and tooling costs while maintaining full machining accessibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple nesting fixtures are used to ensure all holes are machined, then machining completeness is improved, but device complexity and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The component is precisely positioned and oriented on the base fixture using datum locators before being transferred to the transfer block. This preliminary positioning action ensures that all required holes and features are accurately located, allowing complete machining from a single setup on the transfer block without requiring multiple complex fixtures.
Data Source
AI summary
A tooling fixture assembly for processing a component of a gas turbine engine is provided. The tooling fixture assembly includes a component nesting fixture for precisely positioning the component within the fixture using a plurality of datum locators. A transfer block is also positioned at a known location and orientation relative to the component and an adhesive is used to fix the relative position of the component and the transfer block. The component and the transfer block are then removed from the component nesting fixture and installed on a machine for drilling, machining, or otherwise processing the component. After the machining is complete, the adhesive may be removed, such that the component may be detached from the transfer block.