Turbine Tool Template Notch Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fixing metal elements to turbomachine parts, such as blades, lack precision and reliability due to inadequate immobilization and positioning techniques, leading to poor repeatability and significant financial losses from scrapped blades.

Innovation Solution

A tool with removable template means for precise positioning and immobilization of metal elements, featuring a slot with notches for laser pointing and elastically deformable fingers to hold the element against the part, ensuring accurate placement and secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual pointing and basic immobilization methods are used, then the process is simple and quick, but the positioning precision and reliability of metal elements on blade roots are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into distinct functional modules: a support structure for immobilizing the blade, a template for positioning the metal element, and pressing means for securing the element during pointing. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high positioning precision without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The template acts as an intermediary device between the blade root and the metal element. It provides precise positioning features that guide the element to the correct location, while the pressing means serves as an intermediary force application mechanism to hold the element firmly during the pointing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If basic immobilization means are used, then the device is simple, but the repeatability and reliability of fixing metal elements are poor leading to blade scrapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The template is pre-configured with positioning features and the pressing means are pre-positioned to apply force at optimal locations. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the metal element is placed, it is immediately and accurately positioned and secured, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during the actual fixing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a simpler template-based positioning system. The template provides fixed geometric references that automatically ensure correct positioning, substituting the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms and thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If no pressing means are used, then the device is simpler, but the metal element cannot be held firmly against the blade root surface during pointing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing means are designed to apply force at specific critical locations on the metal element rather than distributing force uniformly. This localized pressure application ensures firm contact at the pointing interface while minimizing the overall complexity of the pressing mechanism. The pressing force is concentrated where it is most needed for reliable pointing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The tool enables precise positioning and reliable fixation of metal elements on turbomachine parts, improving the repeatability and reliability of the brazing or welding process, reducing the number of scrapped blades and associated financial losses.

Implementation Method 1

The support means comprising elastically deformable blades or fingers, one end of which rests on the element and the other end of which is mounted and fixed on said first means for fixing the part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the jig comprising means forming a stop intended to cooperate with the part to immobilize the jig on the part, and/or keying means intended to prevent incorrect mounting of the jig on the part. The means for pressing on the element are intended to hold the element against the surface of the part to prevent it from coming unstuck and moving away from the surface during pointing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2747935B1Tool for holding a turbine-engine part, including a means for attaching and immobilising the part and an element to be attached to said part by brazing or welding
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP2747935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2747935B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2747935B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present application relates to a tool for holding a turbine-engine part in order to attach a metal element (32, 34) onto said part, said tool including a first means (102, 104) for immobilising the part and a second means for positioning the element (32, 34) on a surface of the part, said second means being removable and including a template (106, 107) which is to be mounted onto a portion of the part and which comprises an opening for receiving and positioning the element, and a means (108) for bearing on the element (32, 34) in order to hold the latter against the surface of the part, the peripheral edge of the opening of the template (106, 107) comprising at least one notch through which a means for attaching the element onto the surface (32, 34) by tack welding is to pass.