Vane Ring Assembly Tooling Using Heat Expansion and Press Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly procedures for press-fitted components in turbine engines, such as vane rings, are expensive, time-consuming, and risk damage to the components.

Innovation Solution

A tooling system comprising a base, heater, jaws, and press is used to assemble vane rings, where the heater applies heat to the outer ring, jaws urge vane segments outward, and the press applies an axial force to install the inner support, ensuring precise positioning and press fitting without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent damage riskVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The outer ring is heated in advance before assembly to expand it, creating clearance for the vanes and inner support. This preliminary thermal preparation allows components to be assembled without force, eliminating damage risk while reducing assembly time through a streamlined process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidassembly tooling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple assembly operations are merged into a single integrated tooling system. The base, heater, jaws, and press are combined into one device that performs heating, positioning, and pressing simultaneously, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly tooling is designed with multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. The jaws both hold vanes during heating and apply pressing force during assembly, while the base provides both heating support and positioning, reducing the need for separate specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 facilitates efficient assembly of vane rings with reduced risk of component damage, promoting desirable relative positioning and ease of use, thereby improving 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)

Implementation Method 2

a heater operable to apply heat to the outer ring when the outer ring is received on the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12398650B1Tooling and method for assembling a vane ring

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 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.