Turbomachine Tool for Annular Part Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing procedures for dismantling a low-pressure turbine disk in turbomachines are complex, time-consuming, and costly, and expose sensitive parts to potential damage, with no efficient tools available for simple, fast, and inexpensive disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A specialized tool with hooks and support means that allows for the direct extraction of the disk by positioning opposite the annular part, eliminating the need to disassemble the third major module and reducing the number of steps required, thereby simplifying the process and minimizing exposure of sensitive components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the complete disassembly procedure for the third major module is followed, then the disk can be extracted, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming, and costly while exposing sensitive parts to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disk extractionVSAvoidcomplexity of disassembly procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the necessary components (disk and exhaust housing) from the third major module using a specialized tool, rather than requiring complete disassembly of the module. The tool engages with the disk and exhaust housing directly, allowing their removal while leaving the rest of the module assembled, thus simplifying the procedure and protecting sensitive parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a specialized extraction tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the disk/exhaust housing. This tool facilitates the removal operation by providing a mechanical interface that engages with the components to be extracted, eliminating the need for manual disassembly of the entire module and reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the complete disassembly procedure is used, then the disk can be removed, but the time and costs required for dismantling increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of disk removalVSAvoidtime required for dismantling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables direct extraction of the disk and exhaust housing from the assembled third major module using a specialized tool, bypassing the need to disassemble the entire module. This extraction approach significantly reduces the time required for disk removal while maintaining complete accessibility for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the complete disassembly of the third major module is performed, then the disk can be accessed, but sensitive parts such as bearing housings are exposed to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of diskVSAvoidrisk of damage to sensitive parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the disk and exhaust housing from the third major module while leaving the bearing housings and other sensitive components in place and protected. This selective extraction method provides full accessibility to the disk for maintenance while minimizing exposure of sensitive parts to potential damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3731998B1Tool for removing an annular part of a turbomachine
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP3731998B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3731998B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4c
  • EP3731998B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool (100) for removing an annular part (10, 14) mounted around a shaft (8) of a turbomachine (1), having: - a holder (101) intended to cooperate with a lifting system, - means (102) for coupling and holding the annular part (10, 14) said coupling and holding means (102) being secured to the holder (101), the means for coupling and holding (102) having an opening (1021) designed to receive the shaft (8) of the turbomachine (1) during the removal of the annular part (10, 14), the coupling and holding means (102) being rotatable with respect to the holder (101) between a first position and a second position by rotation means for tilting the annular part (10, 14) with respect to the holder (101) when the coupling and holding means (102) are fastened to the annular part (10, 14).