Turbomachine Sealing Segment Ring with Non-Integral Count

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbomachine sealing segment arrangements require an integral number of sealing segments matching the number of guide vane segments, limiting flexibility in structural mechanics, fabrication, and cost optimization, and failing to adequately account for thermal expansion differences.

Innovation Solution

A turbomachine design featuring a sealing segment ring with a non-integral number of sealing segments, where each segment has multiple engagement sites distributed uniformly for interaction with guide vane segments, allowing for optimal structural and cost considerations, and accommodating thermal expansion through single form-fitting connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the number of sealing segments is set to an integral subset of guide vane segments, then the peripheral securing structure is simplified, but the flexibility in structural mechanics, fabrication, and cost optimization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral securing structureVSAvoidflexibility in structural mechanics and fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing segment ring is divided into multiple identical sealing segments, each with multiple engagement sites. This segmentation allows the total number of sealing segments to be optimized independently from the guide vane segments, enabling flexible configuration (e.g., 10 sealing segments with 3 engagement sites each for 15 guide vane segments) while maintaining modular assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If multiple securing elements are used per guide vane segment, then the peripheral securing is more robust, but the risk of component seizing during mounting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral securing robustnessVSAvoidmounting process reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement sites on each sealing segment are designed with varying local characteristics - some sites are engaged with securing elements while others remain free. This local differentiation allows robust securing where needed while maintaining freedom of thermal expansion at unengaged sites, preventing seizing during mounting and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic parameter changes in the engagement configuration - the number of engaged vs. unengaged sites can be optimized based on operational conditions. This enables the structure to adapt between robust securing and thermal expansion accommodation, preventing seizing while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If all engagement sites are located to engage with securing elements, then the peripheral securing is maximized, but the compensation for thermal expansion behavior is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral securingVSAvoidthermal expansion compensation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement configuration is designed to be dynamically adaptable - not all engagement sites are permanently engaged with securing elements. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to switch between maximum securing (when engaged) and thermal expansion accommodation (when unengaged), maintaining both strength and stability under varying thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the number of sealing segments is increased to match guide vane segments, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the fabrication cost and structural optimization flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing coverageVSAvoidfabrication cost and optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each sealing segment is designed as a universal module with multiple engagement sites that can interact with securing elements from different guide vane segments. This multi-functionality allows the same sealing segment design to be used in various configurations (different numbers of segments) while maintaining effective sealing coverage, reducing fabrication costs through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9982566B2Turbomachine, sealing segment, and guide vane segment

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 MTU AERO ENGINES GMBH

AI summary

A turbomachine includes a sealing segment ring that is provided between a front guide vane row and a back guide vane row for sealing a radial gap between a casing section and a rotor blade row rotating between the guide vane rows, wherein the sealing segment ring has a plurality of identical sealing segments and at least one of the guide vane rows has a plurality of identical guide vane segments, wherein the sealing segments each have a plurality of engagement sites lying adjacent to one another in the peripheral direction for interaction with securing elements of this guide vane row, wherein the engagement sites and securing elements are distributed uniformly over the periphery and the engagement sites are a multiple of the securing elements, a sealing element, and a guide vane segment.