Turbomachine Interface Device with Elastic Return for Displacement Accommodation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interface devices between turbomachine elements, such as the low pressure turbine active or inactive clearance control system and a scoop in turbofan engines, face challenges in maintaining leak tightness while accommodating relative displacements, leading to potential air leaks and pressure losses.

Innovation Solution

An interface device with an annular air inlet structure and an elastic return device, such as a helical spring, that allows for swivel contact and compensates for radial, axial, and tangential displacements, ensuring leak tightness and easy installation/removal, featuring a fan flow seal ring and retaining means for secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid interface connection is used between the scoop and LPTACC system, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the ability to accommodate relative displacements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface connection strengthVSAvoidaccommodation of relative displacements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane or diaphragm as the interface between the scoop and LPTACC system. This flexible element can deform to accommodate radial, axial, and tangential displacements while maintaining the seal and structural integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the membrane to flex and adapt to relative movements between the scoop and LPTACC system. This dynamic flexibility enables the interface to maintain both strength and displacement accommodation capability under varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible interface is used to accommodate displacements, then adaptability is improved, but leak tightness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of relative displacementsVSAvoidleak tightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane is designed with appropriate material properties and geometric configuration to maintain leak tightness while accommodating displacements. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to relative movements without creating gaps or leaks, thus maintaining both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane acts as an intermediary element between the scoop and LPTACC system, transferring forces and accommodating displacements while maintaining the seal. This intermediary flexible element resolves the contradiction by providing a medium that can deform without compromising leak tightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a complex interface structure is used to ensure leak tightness, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak tightnessVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane provides a simple yet effective solution for ensuring leak tightness. Rather than requiring complex multi-component sealing structures, the single flexible element can be easily manufactured and installed, thus improving both reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design merges multiple functions (sealing, displacement accommodation, force transmission) into a single flexible membrane component. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing while maintaining high reliability, as the membrane inherently performs all required functions without requiring additional complex parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 interface device effectively limits pressure losses by maintaining leak tightness and accommodating displacements between turbomachine elements, enhancing cooling efficiency and simplifying installation and disassembly processes.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic return device which can be placed around said air inlet structure and which will come into contact with at least the first element of the turbomachine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9677413B2Interface device between two turbomachine elements

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

An interface device between first and second turbomachine elements is provided. The interface device includes an annular air inlet structure including opposite first and second parts, designed to come into contact with the first and second turbomachine elements respectively, in which the first part is configured to be in swivel contact with the first element; and an elastic return device that can be placed around the air inlet structure and designed to come into contact with at least the first turbomachine element.