Turbine Rotor Platform Retention via Integrated Rim Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rotating turbomachine assemblies face complexity in mounting and precise placement of platforms due to significant centrifugal and fluid pressure forces, requiring complex and expensive bolted flange fixing systems.

Innovation Solution

A rotating assembly with a bladed disk featuring a rim with integrated fixing elements, recesses for guiding platforms around blades, and a ring system that provides radial support without additional screws or welds, allowing for simpler and more precise attachment of platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bolted flange fixing systems are used to hold platforms during rotation, then the platforms can withstand centrifugal and fluid pressure forces, but the assembly becomes complex and expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform retentionVSAvoidfixing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are integrated directly into the rim structure, merging the support function with the rim itself. This eliminates separate bolted flange assemblies while maintaining the ability to withstand centrifugal and fluid pressure forces during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rim with integrated fixing elements provides self-supporting capability, where the structure serves its own fastening function without requiring external bolted flange systems. The fixing elements are built-in to hold platforms during rotational operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If complex bolted flange systems are used for platform attachment, then platform retention is ensured, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are combined with the rim in a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate bolted flange components. This reduces manufacturing steps, material requirements, and assembly operations, thereby lowering production costs while ensuring platform retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex bolted flange system is extracted and replaced with simpler integrated fixing elements built into the rim, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the essential function of platform retention during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If platforms are positioned precisely relative to blades and rim, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but the assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform placement precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are pre-positioned and integrated into the rim during rim manufacturing, establishing precise reference positions before platform assembly. This preliminary positioning simplifies the subsequent platform attachment process while ensuring accurate aerodynamic alignment with blades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning and fastening functions are merged into the integrated fixing elements, which provide both precise location references and secure attachment in a single feature, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces the number of parts, and enhances the radial and axial support of platforms, making the turbomachine assembly more economical and efficient while maintaining aerodynamic performance.

Implementation Method 1

said third fastening element being configured to radially hold said ring relative to said rim

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

said fourth fastening element being configured to radially hold said platform relative to said rim

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

said fifth fastening element being configured to cooperate with the third fastening element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

a recess configured to allow the insertion of said platform around said blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric guidance: Geometry

Implementation Method 5

The recess comprises a bottom, abutting against said blade so as to axially hold said platform relative to the bladed disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical abutment: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3683450B1Turbine engine rotor assembly
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS SA
  • EP3683450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683450B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3683450B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

Rotating assembly (100) of a turbomachine comprising a rotating bladed disc (10) including a rim (20) on which is positioned a platform (40) held radially in position around the rim (20) by a ring (80), the ring (80) including a third and a fourth fixing element (84, 85); said third fixing element (84) being configured to radially maintain the ring (80) relative to the rim (20) and said fourth fixing element (85) being configured to radially maintain said platform (40) relative to the rim (20), the rim (20) including a fifth fixing element (28) to cooperate with the third fixing element (84).