Turbine Vane Identification Tab for Assembly Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines lack visual features to distinguish between turbine vanes, leading to potential assembly mistakes during component installation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tab with a mounting aperture and a visually identifiable identification aperture on the turbine vane, allowing for quick visual differentiation between engine models, reducing the risk of incorrect installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If turbine vanes are mounted without visual identification features, then the assembly process is simpler and faster, but assembly mistakes occur due to inability to distinguish between similar vanes for different engine models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual identification features including color-coded paint schemes, dyes, or surface treatments on turbine vane components such as the airfoil, platform, or tab. These color changes provide immediate visual distinction between vanes designed for different engine models, enabling assembly workers to quickly identify the correct vane without complex markings or additional identification systems, thus improving assembly accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the turbine vane by adding identification features such as different tab configurations, platform geometries, or surface characteristics that vary by engine model. These parameter changes create visually distinguishable features that do not affect the functional performance of the vane but enable reliable identification during assembly, resolving the contradiction between assembly accuracy and structural complexity
2Reliability
If turbine vanes include visual identification features, then assembly mistakes are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual identification features during the manufacturing process itself, such as applying color codes or surface treatments while the vane is being produced. This preliminary action ensures identification features are integrated into the manufacturing workflow rather than added as separate post-processing steps, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring every vane leaves the factory with its correct identification already applied
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs identification features that serve multiple functions: they provide visual identification for assembly accuracy, can indicate orientation or installation position, and may serve as quality control markers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate identification systems, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high assembly accuracy
3Ease of operation
If turbine vanes have no identification features, then the design is simpler, but visual comparison with engine design instructions cannot be performed to verify correct installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the turbine vane to self-identify through built-in visual features such as color codes, geometric markers, or surface patterns that directly correspond to engine model specifications. This self-service capability allows assembly workers to verify correct installation by simple visual comparison with design instructions without requiring complex measurement tools or additional verification systems, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping component design relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine has an inner platform, an outer platform, at least one airfoil extending between the inner and outer platforms, and a tab radially extending inward from a front side of the inner platform. The tab contains a mounting aperture and an identification aperture that identifies an engine in which the turbine vane may be installed.