Turbine Engine Nut Locking Assembly for Easier Anti-Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing nut loosening in turbine engines, such as lockwire and self-locking wire thread inserts, are difficult to install and may generate excessive tightening torques incompatible with mechanical parts, leading to assembly challenges and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rotation locking member and a translation locking member that limits nut rotation and translation, respectively, using shape engagement and anti-rotation abutments, which is easier to install and maintain, and allows correct assembly direction identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lockwire is used to limit nut loosening, then the nut is secured against loosening, but the installation becomes difficult due to layout constraints in the turbine engine casing vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The loosening limitation device is divided into two independent functional members: a rotation locking member with anti-rotation abutments that prevents rotational loosening, and a translation locking member that prevents axial translation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process compared to continuous lockwire while maintaining reliable loosening prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation locking member acts as an intermediary between the nut and the turbine engine casing, providing a mechanical interface through anti-rotation abutments that engage with the casing structure. This intermediary component translates the loosening prevention function into a discrete, installable unit that is easier to handle than lockwire in constrained spaces.
2Reliability
If self-locking wire thread inserts are used to lock the nut, then the nut is secured, but excessive tightening torques are generated that are incompatible with the mechanical strength of connected parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into rotation prevention (anti-rotation abutments) and translation prevention (translation locking member), eliminating the need for high-torque self-locking inserts. This allows the nut to be tightened to the proper torque for the joint strength requirements without relying on thread inserts that would generate excessive torque and risk damaging the connected parts.
3Reliability
If traditional lockwire methods are used, then nut loosening is prevented, but the installation and maintenance operations become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates rotation locking and translation locking into distinct members that can be installed and removed independently. The rotation locking member with its anti-rotation abutments can be positioned and secured quickly, while the translation locking member provides additional security without requiring the complex routing and tensioning operations needed for traditional lockwire, significantly reducing installation and maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation abutments are designed to self-align and engage with the turbine engine casing structure, reducing the precision and time required for installation. The discrete modular design allows maintenance personnel to quickly remove and replace the locking members without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a turbine engine. The assembly includes a mount, a nut clamping around the male portion of the mount, a member projecting from the mount and a device for limiting loosening of the nut. The loosening limitation device includes a member for locking the nut against rotation relative to the mount. The rotation locking member includes an inner surface designed to limit rotation of the nut with shape engagement with an outer surface of the nut. The rotation locking member includes a first anti-rotation abutment designed to rotatably abut against the projecting member. The loosening limitation device includes a translation locking member designed to limit translation of the rotation locking member relative to the nut.