Turbine Frame Tie Rod Compression Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbine frame assemblies for gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently transferring loads between the bearing and other engine components, requiring complex fastening systems and multiple parts, which increases weight, cost, and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A turbine frame design featuring a plurality of tie rods preloaded in compression between the turbine case and the bearing support housing, with a retention member and lock ring system to secure the tie rods, reducing the need for additional fasteners and simplifying assembly, while allowing for fluid communication through the tie rods and receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex fastening systems and multiple parts are used to transfer loads between bearing and engine components, then load transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rod integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the load-bearing structural element and the mounting feature for the bearing support housing. The bearing support housing is directly coupled to the tie rod, eliminating the need for separate fastening systems and inner frame cases. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining load transfer reliability through the preloaded compression connection between the turbine case, tie rod, and bearing support housing.
2Reliability
If complex fastening systems and multiple parts are used to transfer loads, then load transfer reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine frame design merges the tie rod, bearing support housing, and mounting structures into an integrated assembly. The bearing support housing is directly coupled to the tie rod without requiring separate fasteners or inner frame cases, reducing the total part count and weight. The preloaded compression connection provides reliable load transfer while minimizing the weight of stationary components through this streamlined configuration.
3Strength
If multiple parts and fasteners are used in turbine frame assembly, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges multiple components into integrated assemblies that maintain structural integrity while simplifying assembly. The bearing support housing is directly coupled to the tie rod, and the retention member secures the bearing support housing to the tie rod in a single integrated connection. This eliminates the need for multiple separate fasteners and inner frame cases, reducing assembly complexity while preserving the strength and structural integrity of the turbine frame through the preloaded compression connection.
4Strength
If separate fasteners and inner frame cases are used, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rod and bearing support housing are merged into a direct coupled assembly, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and inner frame cases. The retention member provides a single integrated securing mechanism that maintains structural integrity while reducing device complexity. This merging approach preserves the strength of the connection through preloaded compression while simplifying the overall fastening system configuration.
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 design enhances load transfer efficiency, reduces weight and cost, and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for separate fasteners and inner frame cases, while maintaining structural integrity and fluid communication pathways.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of tie rods is preloaded in compression between the turbine case and the bearing support housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A turbine frame (157) for a gas turbine engine includes a turbine case (162), a bearing support housing (170) that defines a receptacle (180), and a tie rod (166) preloaded in compression between the turbine case and the bearing support housing. A gas turbine engine comprises a fan section including a fan, a compressor section, and a turbine section driving at least one of the fan section and the compressor section through a shaft, the turbine section including a turbine frame extending along an engine axis between a first turbine and a second turbine that define a core flow path; the turbine frame comprises a bearing support housing including a bearing that supports the shaft, a turbine case that at least partially surrounds the bearing support housing and a plurality of tie rods each preloaded in compression between the turbine case and the bearing support housing. A method of assembling a turbine frame comprises moving a bearing support housing at least partially received in a turbine case and coupling a tie rod to the turbine case and to the bearing support housing such that the tie rod is preloaded in compression.