Universal Vane Root Machining Fixture for Portable Precision Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining technologies for compressor vane roots in gas turbines lack versatility and accuracy, requiring specialized equipment for each design and being limited in their ability to be transported and used at different fabrication sites.
Innovation Solution
A portable and versatile machining apparatus with a fixation mechanism comprising inclined subfaces for secure clamping and a machining device, such as a pot or belt grinder, capable of achieving high accuracy (0.04±0.02 mm) and surface roughness (2.5 μm to 16 μm) on various vane root designs, allowing for universal application and easy transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specialized machining equipment is used for each vane design, then machining accuracy is improved, but device complexity and lack of versatility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism is designed with adjustable fixation faces that can be positioned at different angles and locations, allowing a single apparatus to securely hold multiple vane root designs with different geometries. This universal fixation capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized machining equipments while maintaining machining accuracy across various vane types.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism incorporates movable and adjustable components that can be dynamically reconfigured for different vane designs. The fixation faces can be repositioned and reoriented during operation, enabling the apparatus to adapt to various vane root geometries without requiring dedicated equipment for each design type.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed machining equipment is installed at each fabrication site, then machining accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The machining apparatus is divided into modular components, including a portable base unit and interchangeable fixation mechanisms. This segmentation allows the apparatus to be easily transported between fabrication sites and quickly reconfigured for different machining tasks, maintaining accuracy while improving operational flexibility and ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamically adjustable fixation mechanisms that can be reconfigured during operation to accommodate different vane designs. This dynamic capability enables the equipment to maintain high machining accuracy across various applications while being easily operable and adaptable to different fabrication site requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If heavy-duty machining equipment is used, then machining accuracy is improved, but weight and transportability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The machining apparatus is designed as a segmented, modular system with a compact base unit and detachable fixation mechanisms. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components while maintaining overall machining accuracy, and enables easy transport between fabrication sites without requiring heavy-duty equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes optimized design parameters and materials that reduce weight while preserving machining precision. By carefully selecting parameters such as fixation face angles, component dimensions, and material properties, the apparatus achieves high machining accuracy with significantly reduced weight, improving transportability without sacrificing performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for machining a component is provided. The apparatus includes a fixation mechanism, wherein the fixation mechanism includes a first fixation member with a first fixation face and a second fixation member with a second fixation face, wherein the first fixation face and the second fixation face are arranged and configured such that different bearing surfaces of a plurality of different components can be fixed between the first fixation member and the second fixation member, wherein the apparatus further includes a machining device, and wherein the apparatus is configured to machine a machining surface of the respective component by means of the machining device and according to a predetermined accuracy. Further, a method of machining the component is presented.