Turbine Blade Platform Seal Validation Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and validation of platform seals in gas turbine engines are challenging due to their blind assembly nature, making it difficult to ensure proper installation and inspection, which can lead to incorrect placement and increased maintenance time.
Innovation Solution
A platform seal assembly with a validation tab that extends radially through the slash face gap, allowing for visual verification of correct installation and orientation, and includes validation codes to confirm the correct seal and blade compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If platform seals are installed using blind assembly method, then installation process is simplified, but installation validation becomes difficult and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A validation tab is attached to the platform seal that extends through the slash face gap to an observable position. This tab acts as an intermediary indicator, allowing installation validation without requiring disassembly or complex inspection tools, thus maintaining blind assembly simplicity while enabling reliable verification
Solution Approach 2:
The validation tab provides visual feedback on installation status. When the platform seal is correctly installed, the tab extends through the slash face gap to a visible position, giving immediate confirmation of proper installation without requiring additional inspection steps
2Measurement precision
If validation tab is extended through slash face gap, then installation verification is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The validation function is segmented from the main platform seal body by adding a separate tab component. This segmentation allows the verification function to be added independently without redesigning the entire seal assembly, minimizing overall complexity while enabling precise installation verification
Solution Approach 2:
The validation tab may incorporate color coding or visual indicators to provide immediate recognition of installation status. This allows for quick verification without complex measurement tools, maintaining simplicity while improving verification accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A platform seal assembly for a gas turbine engine with a turbine disk and a plurality of turbine blades is disclosed. The platform seal assembly includes a platform seal and a validation tab. The platform seal includes a first end, a second end, opposite and distal to the first end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The validation tab includes an attachment portion affixed to the platform seal and an observable indicator portion extending from the attachment portion.