Turbine Panel Support Hanger with Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engine components, such as exhaust liners and ducts, experience movement due to temperature and pressure gradients, requiring a support hanger that can flexibly connect and accommodate these movements while maintaining structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A support hanger system with a slot in the collar, a retainer with a lock member and pivot member, and anti-rotation features, allowing for radial and axial movement, and an annular seal to reduce fluid leakage, enabling flexible connection and accommodation of temperature and pressure gradients between panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between panels, then structural integrity is maintained, but movement due to temperature and pressure gradients cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The support hanger incorporates a pivot member that enables dynamic movement between panels while maintaining structural connection. The pivot member allows rotational movement to accommodate thermal expansion and pressure-induced displacement, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic one that adapts to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support hanger is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar portion for mounting, a strut portion for structural support, and a pivot member for movement accommodation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and movement accommodation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible connection is used to accommodate movement, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member provides controlled flexibility through rotational movement while maintaining strong structural connection. The dynamic joint allows necessary movement but prevents excessive displacement that would compromise structural integrity, achieving a balance between adaptability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support hanger appears to utilize composite construction combining rigid materials (for structural strength) with pivot mechanisms (for flexibility). This composite approach integrates both rigid and flexible characteristics in a single component system.
3Manufacturing precision
If panels are rigidly connected, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the system cannot handle thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot member introduces controlled dynamics to the connection, allowing thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining precise alignment. The rotational capability accommodates dimensional changes without compromising the precision of the panel connection.
4Reliability
If a complex retention mechanism is used to prevent leakage, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism appears to utilize self-aligning features where the pivot member and collar automatically position themselves to maintain proper sealing contact. This self-service capability ensures reliable sealing without requiring complex external control systems or multiple adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A turbine engine case includes a first panel, a second panel and a support hanger. The second panel defines an aperture. The support hanger includes a strut that is connected to the first panel, and a base that is pivotally connected to the strut. The base includes a pivot member that is pivotally engaged with the second panel. The base extends away from the strut and through the aperture to the pivot member.