Turbine Vane Ring Assembly Using Heated Outer Ring and Radial Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly procedures for press-fitted components in turbine engines, such as vane rings, are expensive and time-consuming, and require careful execution to avoid component damage.

Innovation Solution

A tooling system comprising a base, heater, jaws, and press is used to assemble vane rings, which includes a base to receive the outer ring and vanes, a heater to apply heat, jaws with radially actuatable pads to urge vanes outward, and a press to apply an axial force, facilitating precise positioning and press fitting of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing assembly procedures are used for press-fitted components, then the assembly can be completed, but the process is expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a base for positioning, a heater for thermal expansion, jaws for radial positioning, and a press for axial installation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall assembly time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base pre-positions the outer ring and vanes in the correct angular orientation before assembly. The heater pre-heats the outer ring to facilitate easier press-fitting. These preliminary actions reduce the complexity and time of the actual assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If existing assembly procedures are used for press-fitted components, then the assembly can be completed, but the risk of component damage is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent integrityVSAvoidcomponent damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base provides a cushioning effect by supporting the outer ring and vanes in a controlled manner before the pressing operation. This prevents sudden impacts and reduces the risk of damage during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The heater acts as an intermediary by thermally expanding the outer ring, creating a clearance that allows the vanes to be installed without excessive force. This mediates the interaction between the press and the components, preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If existing assembly procedures are used for press-fitted components, then the assembly can be completed, but precise positioning is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative positioning precisionVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base includes asymmetric positioning features such as receptacles and locating features that precisely position the outer ring, vanes, and inner support in their correct angular orientations. This asymmetric design ensures accurate relative positioning while simplifying the assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The jaws replace complex manual positioning operations with an automated mechanical system. The radially actuatable pads of the jaws automatically position the vanes radially outwardly toward the outer ring, ensuring precise positioning without requiring skilled manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 tooling system enhances ease of assembly, reduces the risk of component damage, and ensures desirable relative positioning of components, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

The heater may be configured apply heat to the outer ring by conductive heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive heat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260036057A1Tooling and method for assembling a vane ring

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

Tooling and methods for assembling a vane ring of a turbine engine are provided. A tool includes a base configured to receive an outer ring and vanes radially inwardly of the outer ring. A heater is operable to apply heat to the outer ring when the outer ring is received on the base. Expandable jaws having a plurality of radially actuatable pads are operable to urge the vanes radially outwardly toward the outer ring. A press is operable to apply an axial force against an inner support of the vane ring to install the inner support radially inwardly of the vanes.