Axially Divided Turbomachine Inner Ring Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turbomachines, particularly axial gas turbines, the screw connections of axially divided inner ring segments are prone to material overload, aging, and inadequate assembly, leading to potential fractures and leakage issues between the rotor and guide vane ring.
Innovation Solution
An axially divided inner ring design featuring solid ring segments joined by a fastening element, with a securing element to safeguard against damage, utilizing a force-fit or form-fitting connection and potentially including screws or locking wires to prevent loose or broken pieces from entering the flow duct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If axially divided inner ring segments are screwed together, then the inner ring can be assembled and disassembled, but the screw connections become potential weak spots for material overload, aging, and fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is divided into axially separated ring segments that can be assembled independently. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while the patent addresses the reliability issue through alternative connection methods that avoid traditional screw connections.
Solution Approach 2:
A securing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the ring segments. This securing element prevents the fastening elements from loosening or detaching, thereby safeguarding against the reliability issues associated with direct screw connections while maintaining the assemblability benefit.
2Ease of operation
If traditional screw connections are used to join ring segments, then assembly is simplified, but leakage flows can occur between rotor and guide vane ring due to connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is installed beforehand to prevent potential connection failures. By providing this preventive safeguard, the patent addresses leakage risks before they can occur, while maintaining the simplicity of assembly through the pre-configured securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary that ensures the reliability of the connection between ring segments. It prevents fastening element failure that would lead to leakage, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while preserving ease of assembly.
3Weight of moving object
If axially divided inner ring segments are used, then weight and parts are minimized, but the fastening elements are prone to damage and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring is segmented axially to reduce weight and simplify the structure. The patent maintains the reliability of these segmented parts by introducing a securing element that prevents fastening element failure, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element serves as a protective intermediary that safeguards the fastening elements against damage and loosening. This allows the lightweight segmented design to be maintained while compensating for the reduced durability of the fastening elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An axially divided inner ring for a turbomachine, for fastening to guide vanes of the turbomachine. The inner ring comprises at least one first, solid ring segment disposed upstream, and a second, solid ring segment disposed downstream, wherein the first ring segment is joined to the second ring segment in a detachable manner by means of at least one fastening element. The first ring segment and/or the second ring segment is joined to at least one sealing segment. The inner ring comprises a securing element for securing the fastening element, wherein the securing element is joined to the first ring segment and/or to the second ring segment. In addition, the present invention relates to a guide vane ring of a turbomachine having guide vanes, which have an axially divided inner ring according to the invention.