Compressor Vane Root Fixturing for Portable Precision Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining apparatuses for compressor vane roots in gas turbines lack versatility and accuracy, requiring specialized tools for each design and being limited in portability and adaptability to different fabrication sites.

Innovation Solution

A movable and transportable machining apparatus with a versatile fixation mechanism and machining device, capable of precise machining of compressor vane roots using a slide with ceramic striking material, accommodating various vane designs and ensuring accuracy within 0.04 ± 0.02 mm and surface roughness between 2.5 µm and 16 µm, with a configuration allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly for transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If specialized machining tools are used for each vane design, then machining accuracy is improved, but device complexity and lack of versatility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation mechanism is designed with adjustable fixation members that can accommodate multiple vane designs and root configurations through a single apparatus, eliminating the need for specialized tools for each design while maintaining machining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If fixed installation of machining apparatus is used, then machining stability is improved, but portability and adaptability to different fabrication sites worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining stabilityVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The machining apparatus is divided into modular components including the fixation mechanism and machining device that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing the system to be transported to different fabrication sites while maintaining stability during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If heavy-duty fixation mechanisms are used, then component retention reliability is improved, but device weight and transportability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent retention reliabilityVSAvoidapparatus weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation mechanism uses adjustable and movable fixation members that can adapt to different component sizes and shapes, providing reliable retention through dynamic adjustment rather than relying on excessive weight or fixed rigid structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3349941B1Apparatus for machining a component and method of machining
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3349941B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3349941B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3349941B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An apparatus (100) for machining a component (50) is presented. The apparatus comprising a fixation mechanism (10), wherein the fixation mechanism (10) comprises a first fixation member (1) with a first fixation face (11) and a second fixation member (2) with a second fixation face (12), wherein the first fixation face (11) and the second fixation face (12) are arranged and configured such that different bearing surfaces (20) of a plurality of different components (50) can be fixed between the first fixation member (1) and the second fixation member (2), wherein the apparatus (100) further comprises a machining device (30), and wherein the apparatus (100) is configured to machine a machining surface (51) of the respective component (50) by means of the machining device (30) and according to a predetermined accuracy. Further, a method of machining the component (50) is presented.