Turbine Distributor Sector Integrating Cooling Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbine distributor sectors in aircraft turbine engines are cumbersome and have a substantial mass due to the use of connecting bushings and C-shaped locks, which increase encumbrance and weight.
Innovation Solution
The turbine distributor sector design replaces connecting bushings with integrated ducts within the external annular platform sector, eliminating the need for C-shaped locks and reducing the radial and axial encumbrance by integrating air supply ducts directly into the external platform sector, allowing for a more compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting bushings and C-shaped locks are used to fasten external platform sectors to turbine casing hooks, then the distributor can be securely fastened, but the radial and axial encumbrance and overall mass increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function into the turbine casing hook structure itself. The hook comprises a mounting surface and a retention feature (protrusion or groove) that directly engages with the external platform sector, eliminating the need for separate connecting bushings and C-shaped locks. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining secure fastening.
2Reliability
If connecting bushings are used to supply cooling air to blade assembly cavities, then air supply function is achieved, but the radial dimension and encumbrance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air supply function from the connecting bushings and relocates it to ducts integrated into the external platform sector. The bushings are completely removed, and their air supply role is assumed by ducts that are formed as part of the platform sector structure, thereby reducing radial dimension while maintaining reliable cooling air supply to the blade assembly cavities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (bushings, locks, rings, plates) are used in the distributor structure, then various functions (fastening, air supply, centering, sealing) are achieved, but the overall mass and encumbrance increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple functions into fewer components. The external platform sector is designed with built-in ducts for air supply, and the turbine casing hook incorporates both mounting and retention features. This consolidation maintains all necessary functions (fastening, air supply, centering, sealing) while substantially reducing the number of separate parts and overall mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine casing hook is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mounting surface, retention feature, and structural support. The external platform sector integrates air supply ducts into its structure, making it a multi-functional element that combines structural support with fluid transport functions, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
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 significantly reduces the radial and axial encumbrance of the turbine distributor and engine, optimizing mass reduction and simplifying the mounting process while maintaining effective air supply to the blade assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
blade assemblies comprising inner cavities cooled by gas circulation
Data Source
AI summary
Turbine distributor sector for an aircraft turbine engine, including an external annular platform sector and an internal annular platform sector, the sectors being coaxial and being connected together by blade assemblies including inner cavities cooled by gas circulation, the external platform sector including through openings of which radially internal ends open into the inner cavities, wherein the external platform sector includes inner ducts for supplying the cavities with gas, the ducts including air outlets opening into the openings and air inlets opening onto a portion of the external annular surface of the external platform sector.