Shutter for Turbine Rectifier Blade Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bypass turbine engines face issues when a rectifier blade is damaged or missing, leading to unsealed openings that allow foreign particles to enter the inner structure, causing degradation and requiring immediate replacement to ensure safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A shutter is designed to seal the opening left by a missing or damaged rectifier blade, using snap-fitting means for secure closure, allowing the engine to operate without replacing the blade, and can be manufactured via additive methods for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a rectifier blade is removed or replaced, then the damaged blade can be replaced, but foreign particles can enter through the free opening and degrade the inner structure
Solution Approach 1:
A shutter is introduced as an intermediary component to seal the opening in the ferrule when a rectifier blade is removed. The shutter fits into the ferrule's opening and prevents foreign particles from entering the inner structure, while allowing blade replacement to proceed without special contamination control procedures.
2Reliability
If a replacement blade is required, then the engine can be restored, but the aircraft cannot operate if the replacement blade is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed as a simple, inexpensive, and quickly installable component that can be used temporarily to seal the ferrule opening. It allows the engine to be restored to operational status without requiring an immediate replacement blade, enabling the aircraft to fly to a maintenance facility or complete additional flight cycles before blade replacement.
3Ease of operation
If the ferrule opening remains open for blade replacement, then blade installation is simplified, but sand and other contaminants can enter and damage the discharge valve control system
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter serves as a protective intermediary that seals the ferrule opening during normal operation. When blade replacement is needed, the shutter is simply removed, the blade is installed, and the shutter is reinstalled. This maintains ease of operation while preventing contaminants from reaching the discharge valve control system located downstream.
Data Source
AI summary
A shutter is provided for repairing a turbine engine having a damaged or absent fixed rectifier blade (38, 39), this damaged or absent fixed blade (38, 39) leaving free an opening (34) of a ferrule (31) intended to receive an end of this fixed blade (38, 39). The shutter (48) arranged to close the free opening (34) by being rigidly attached to this free opening (34).