Upstream-Facing Seal Hook Mount for Gas Turbine Compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

In gas turbine engines with increased bypass ratios and gear reduction systems, the positioning of flow control features upstream of seals necessitates a seal mount configuration where the traditional downstream-facing hook cannot be used, requiring a novel solution to maintain efficient air utilization and thermal protection.

Innovation Solution

A compressor section design featuring a second seal hook positioned at the downstream end of the seal mount with an upstream-facing orientation, allowing the upstream-facing hook to be utilized while maintaining thermal barrier coating coverage, and incorporating a flow control feature positioned upstream of the seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a downstream-facing hook is used on the seal mount, then thermal protection can be provided, but the hook cannot be used when a flow control feature is positioned upstream of the seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal mount configurationVSAvoidcoating structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional downstream-facing hook orientation to an upstream-facing hook orientation. This inversion allows the seal mount to be compatible with the flow control feature positioned upstream of the seal, while still providing thermal protection through the coating structure applied to the upstream-facing hook.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an upstream-facing hook is used to accommodate the flow control feature, then the seal mount can be utilized, but thermal barrier coating coverage becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal mount configurationVSAvoidthermal protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies thermal barrier coating selectively to specific surfaces of the upstream-facing hook rather than attempting to coat the entire hook structure. The coating is applied to the leading face and sides of the hook that are exposed to the hot gas flow, providing localized thermal protection where it is most needed while accommodating the upstream-facing orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a downstream-facing hook is used, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate the flow control feature positioned upstream

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehook structureVSAvoidcompatibility with flow control feature

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables efficient air utilization and maintains thermal protection in gas turbine engines with high bypass ratios and gear reduction systems, allowing for the use of upstream-facing hooks without complex coating techniques, thereby optimizing engine performance.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal protective coating is provided on the hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal barrier coating: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2900978B1Compressor section comprising a seal hook mount structure with overlapped coating

Publication Date: 2017.11.01 UNITED TECH CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

A seal is positioned radially outwardly of a compressor blade. The seal has a seal hook facing in a downstream direction. A seal mount has a mount hook for receiving the seal hook in a gap. The hook face in an upstream direction. The seal mount has an upstream portion extending from an upstream end into the gap. The mount hook extends into a web which extends in a downstream direction. A thermal barrier coating on the upstream portion of the seal mount extends to a downstream end. There is a thermal barrier coating on a radially inner surface of the mount hook, and along the web to a downstream coating end. An upstream end of the coating on the inner surface of the hook being formed axially upstream of the downstream end of the coating on the upstream portion.