Gas Turbine Vane Sealing Member Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine vane assemblies face challenges with air leaks due to grommets, which affect engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A vane assembly with a vane head that incorporates a compressible sealing member, such as an o-ring, retained in a groove on the vane head, which is compressed between the vane head and the engine case to create a seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grommet is disposed between the external surface of the case and the vane head to minimize leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but air leaks may still occur affecting engine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the sealing member by using a compressible material that can be deformed under compression. The sealing member is compressed between the vane head and case to enhance the seal, utilizing parameter changes in material density and shape to eliminate air leaks and improve reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sealing structure combining a compressible sealing member with the rigid vane head and case assembly. This composite approach integrates materials with different properties - the compressible sealing material works in conjunction with the rigid structural components to create an effective seal that prevents air leaks while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If vanes are individually manufactured and radially inserted through the annular gas flow passage, then ease of assembly is improved, but air leaks between the vane and case occur
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible sealing member acts as an intermediary element between the vane head and the case. This mediator component facilitates the connection while preventing air leaks, allowing the vane to be individually assembled while maintaining reliable sealing performance through the intermediate sealing element
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a compressible sealing member is used between the vane head and case, then air leaks are minimized, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the existing vane head structure by integrating the compressible sealing member into the assembly. This combining of the sealing element with the vane head creates a unified component that prevents air leaks without requiring separate complex sealing systems, thus minimizing air leaks while controlling assembly complexity
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 solution effectively minimizes air leaks by ensuring a reliable seal between the vane head and the engine case, improving the overall performance of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible sealing member, such as an o-ring, retained in a groove on the vane head, which is compressed between the vane head and the engine case to create a seal
Implementation Method 2
a compressible sealing member, such as an o-ring, retained in a groove on the vane head, which is compressed between the vane head and the engine case to create a seal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A vane (30) configured to be disposed in a gas path (22, 122) defined in part by an inner surface of a case (24) of a gas turbine engine (10) is provided. The vane (30) comprises a vane body (34) configured to extend through an aperture (32) in the case (24) and a vane head (36) disposed at an end of the vane body (34). The vane head (36) has an abutting surface (46) configured to contact an outer surface (44) of the case (24) when the vane body (34) extends through the aperture (32), and a groove (38) configured to receive a sealing member (38). The groove (38) opens to the abutting surface (46) and is outwardly open relative to an inner region (49) surrounded by the groove (38). The groove (38) has an inner seating surface (50) that hinders movement of the sealing member (38) toward the abutting surface (46) and can facilitate installation of the vane (30) in the engine (10).