Turbine Guide Vane Interlocking Coupling Eliminates Bolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling designs for upstream guide vanes in turbojet turbines rely on bolted connections, which complicate installation, increase weight, and elevate maintenance and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that uses interlocking means with a crank and matching shapes, snap-fitting teeth, and immobilizing pins to securely attach the upstream guide vane to a supporting part without bolted connections, reducing weight and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolted connections are used to attach the upstream guide vane to the supporting part, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device weight increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the bolted connection elements (bolts, nuts, fasteners) from the coupling system. Instead of using traditional bolted joints between the upstream guide vane coupling flange and the supporting part, the patent employs a direct interlocking mechanism where the coupling flange integrates with the supporting part through complementary geometric shapes, thereby removing the weight of fastening components while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the coupling flange and supporting part into a unified interlocking structure. The coupling flange incorporates interlocking protrusions that directly engage with corresponding recesses in the supporting part, combining what were previously separate components (flange + bolts + supporting part) into an integrated assembly that achieves both structural integrity and weight reduction
2Strength
If bolted connections are used to attach the upstream guide vane to the supporting part, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex system of multiple bolts, nuts, washers, and fastening procedures from the coupling mechanism. The supporting part and coupling flange are designed with complementary interlocking geometries that provide inherent mechanical strength without requiring additional fastening components or complex assembly sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of multiple separate fastening elements into a single integrated interlocking interface. The coupling flange and supporting part feature matching geometric profiles that, when assembled, provide structural strength equivalent to or greater than bolted connections, while reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process
3Reliability
If bolted connections are used to attach the upstream guide vane to the supporting part, then the connection reliability is improved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates preliminary action by pre-designing the interlocking geometries of the coupling flange and supporting part during the manufacturing stage. The complementary shapes are precisely formed in advance, eliminating the need for on-site alignment, bolt insertion, and fastening operations. This pre-engineered interlocking mechanism enables rapid installation while ensuring reliable connections from the first assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the time-consuming fastening operations (bolt insertion, tightening, torque verification) from the installation process. By replacing the bolted connection system with a direct interlocking mechanism, the installation process is reduced to simple positioning and engagement of the coupling flange with the supporting part, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for coupling a turbine upstream guide vane which is coupled to a supporting part which itself attached to a stabilizing part is disclosed. The coupling device includes a interlocking device for interlocking a supporting end of the supporting part with a stabilizing end of the stabilizing part, and a retaining part to keep the supporting end and the stabilizing end interlocked. The coupling device may be used to couple an upstream guide vane of a turbojet turbine.