Gas Turbine Vane Retention via Elastomeric Ring and Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine vane retention systems are heavy, complicating installation and replacement, and can be damaged during foreign object events, leading to potential damage to surrounding components.
Innovation Solution
A vane assembly with an annular casing and elastomeric ring, featuring circumferentially spaced openings and apertures, and a non-metallic strap with metallic connectors that provides radial tension to the elastomeric ring and vanes, enhancing retention and damping while being lightweight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grommet and adhesive are used for vane retention, then the vanes can be retained in the casing, but the system becomes heavy and complicates installation and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive (potting compound) from the retention system, extracting the harmful element that caused weight increase and installation complexity. The retention is achieved through mechanical means only - the elastomeric ring with radially extending portions that engage the vane roots and the strap that applies circumferential tension, eliminating the need for adhesive while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a pure mechanical retention system consisting of the elastomeric ring and tensioned strap. This mechanical substitution eliminates the weight and complexity issues associated with adhesive while providing reliable vane retention through friction and mechanical engagement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a grommet is used to isolate the vane from the shroud, then isolation is provided, but the grommet can be cut during foreign object damage events causing damage to surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from a traditional grommet material to an elastomeric material with superior tear resistance and elasticity. The elastomeric ring can deform and absorb impact energy during foreign object damage events, preventing the cutting and failure that occurs with conventional grommets while maintaining the isolation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the elastomeric ring with a tensioned strap (which may be metallic or non-metallic). This composite system provides both the isolation function and enhanced damage resistance, as the strap reinforces the elastomeric ring and prevents catastrophic failure during foreign object events.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used for vane retention, then retention is provided, but installation and replacement of vanes becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive from the retention system, eliminating the source of installation and replacement complexity. The mechanical retention system using the elastomeric ring and strap allows for simple installation by positioning the vanes and tightening the strap, and easy replacement by releasing the strap, without the need for adhesive application or removal procedures.
4Reliability
If a traditional vane retention system is used, then vanes are retained, but the system is heavy affecting engine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy metallic retention components with a lightweight elastomeric ring and strap system. This mechanical system provides equivalent or superior retention capability while dramatically reducing the weight of the stationary components, thereby improving engine performance through reduced weight.
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 solution provides a lightweight, efficient vane retention system that maintains radial tension and reduces vibration, effectively addressing the issues of weight and damage susceptibility in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric ring surrounding a circumferential outer surface of the casing, the elastomeric ring having a plurality of apertures in registry with the openings
Implementation Method 2
a strap of a non-metallic material extending around an outer periphery of the elastomeric ring and positioned to surround the projecting vane ends, the strap having metallic connectors configured to releasably engage one another, the strap being under circumferential tension when the connectors are mutually engaged, the strap in tension compressing the elastomeric ring against the circumferential outer surface of the casing
Implementation Method 3
The solution provides a lightweight, efficient vane retention system that maintains radial tension and reduces vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A vane assembly of a gas turbine engine has a plurality of vanes extending radially and inwardly from an annular casing. An outer end of each vane radially and outwardly projects from the casing and is received in one of apertures defined in an elastomeric ring which is placed around the casing. A strap of a non-metallic material is placed in a pre-tensioned condition around the elastomeric ring to compress the elastomeric ring and to radially retain the outer end of each vane.