Turbomachine Module Assembly Using Laser Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of the low-pressure turbine module in turbomachines is challenging due to the lack of visibility in ensuring accurate positioning of the shaft within the inter-shaft bearing, leading to risks of hard contact and sub-standard quality, with existing methods being either expensive or complex.
Innovation Solution
A method using a device with a laser beam emitter and target to ensure parallelism between the shaft's longitudinal axis and the movement axis, allowing for precise alignment and preventing contact during docking, which includes positioning the first module on support means, fixing the target to suspension and movement means, determining axial positions for laser beam centering, and adjusting for parallelism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional centering methods (ruler) are used to position the shaft, then the assembly process is simple, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient leading to hard contact and damaged parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools (ruler) with an optical measurement system (laser beam). The laser beam provides a precise reference axis that enables accurate positioning of the shaft without complex mechanical instrumentation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary reference element between the housing and the shaft. This laser beam serves as a virtual reference axis that mediates the positioning process, allowing accurate alignment without direct physical contact or complex measurement devices
2Reliability
If the inter-shaft bearing is mounted blind without visibility, then the assembly process is faster, but the reliability is compromised due to risk of roller contact with outer ring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the laser beam provides continuous visual reference during the assembly process. The operator can observe the laser beam's position relative to the shaft and housing, providing real-time feedback that enables corrective adjustments to prevent hard contact, thereby improving reliability without significantly reducing assembly speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the visible laser beam (optical signal) as a visual indicator during assembly. The laser's light provides a clear visual reference that changes position according to shaft alignment, enabling the operator to monitor and control the assembly process in real-time, improving reliability while maintaining productivity
3Ease of manufacture
If heating techniques are used to expand the outer ring for controlled roller introduction, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal expansion techniques with an optical alignment system. Instead of using heating equipment to expand the outer ring for controlled roller introduction, the patent uses a laser beam to provide precise alignment references, eliminating the need for complex heating equipment while maintaining ease of manufacture through simplified positioning
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
This method enables accurate and reliable assembly of turbomachine modules by ensuring parallel alignment, reducing the risk of contact and improving assembly quality without the need for expensive instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam emitter intended to be fixed to said first module and configured to emit a laser beam that coincides with a longitudinal axis of this first module
Data Source
AI summary
Method for assembling a turbomachine (1) by means of a device (10), the turbomachine comprising at least two modules (3) which are assembled by the insertion of a shaft of one of the modules into a housing of the other of the modules, the device comprising: means (11) for supporting a first of the modules, means (20, 21) for suspending a second of the modules and for moving this second module along an axis of movement (Z), a laser beam emitter (30) intended to be fixed to the said first module and configured to emit a laser beam (31) that coincides with a longitudinal axis (X) of this first module, and a target (40) intended to be fixed to the said suspension and movement means so that it can be moved along the said axis of movement, and so that in at least two axial positions on this axis which are distant from one another, a spot from the said laser beam is located at the centre of the said target, the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) positioning the said first module (3) on the said support means (11), b) fixing the said target (40) to the said suspension and movement means, c) determining a first axial position of the said target, for which position a spot from the said laser beam (31) is positioned at the centre of the said target, d) moving the said target along the said movement axis (Z), and e) determining a second axial position of the said target, for which position a spot from the said laser beam is located at the centre of the said target, so as to validate the parallelism between the said longitudinal axis (X) of the said first module and the said movement axis.