Gas Turbine Vane Sealing via Circular Cross-Section Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and assembly of vane assemblies in gas turbine engines are complex and labor-intensive due to the need for molded grommets that require precise fitting and radial pre-load to maintain sealing, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A vane assembly design featuring radially inner and outer shrouds with vane-receiving portions and a sealing member with a substantially circular, uncompressed cross-section, which is disposed between the vane ends and shroud portions, eliminating the need for radial pre-loading and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If molded grommets are used to secure vanes to shrouds, then sealing function is improved, but assembly complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the complex molded grommet system and implements it through a simpler retaining ring structure with integrated sealing features. The retaining ring separates the mechanical retention function from the sealing function, allowing each to be optimized independently while reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sealing interface by using a radially outwardly extending flange on the retaining ring that contacts the shroud. This flange geometry provides sealing through surface contact rather than requiring complex molded grommet deformation, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If molded grommets are used to secure vanes to shrouds, then sealing function is improved, but installation time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is pre-formed with the sealing flange geometry during manufacturing, eliminating the need for现场 molding or complex assembly operations. The vanes are secured to shrouds through a simple snap-fit or clamp-action of the retaining ring, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining sealing integrity.
3Reliability
If radial pre-load is applied to maintain sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring design incorporates dynamic sealing through its radially outwardly extending flange that contacts the shroud. This flange provides sealing through elastic deformation or friction contact during operation, maintaining sealing reliability without requiring complex pre-load mechanisms or adjustable components.
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
This design simplifies the assembly of vane assemblies by eliminating the need for radial pre-loading, making the installation process more straightforward and reducing labor intensity while maintaining effective sealing and vibration damping.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sealing member having an uncompressed cross-section that is substantially circular, the at least one sealing member being disposed between and in contact with the at least one end portion of the at least one vane and the at least one vane-receiving portion of the at least one shroud
Implementation Method 2
Grommets usually need to be molded to fit the exact shape of the vanes either before or during installation. Also, in order to maintain an adequate sealing function, such grommets usually require a radial pre-load of the vanes to be maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
Vane assemblies for gas turbine engines and methods for assembling vane assemblies are disclosed. The vane assemblies may include at least one shroud having at least one vane-receiving portion, at least one vane having at least one end portion received in the vane-receiving portion, and at least one sealing member having an uncompressed cross-section that is substantially circular. The sealing member(s) are disposed between and in contact with the end portion of the vane and the vane-receiving portion of the shroud.