Adjustable Vane Strut Sealing via Spanner Nut Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting systems for turbomachine vanes with strut-flap designs face challenges in achieving precise and cost-effective positioning and securement, particularly in maintaining a small gap between the upstream strut and downstream flap to prevent leakage, which is typically addressed through custom fabrication with tight tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A vane strut system featuring a hollow semi-cylinder strut mount with threading on the outer diameter, combined with an aft mount portion and spanner nuts, allows for secure and adjustable positioning of the flap relative to the vane strut, enabling standard manufacturing tolerances while ensuring tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom fabrication with very low tolerances is used to achieve a small gap between strut and flap, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the gap parameter from a fixed tight clearance to an adjustable parameter. The adjustable gap mechanism allows the gap to be set to optimal values during assembly or operation, eliminating the need for custom fabrication with very low tolerances while achieving the same sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability to the gap between strut and flap. Instead of a fixed gap determined by tight manufacturing tolerances, the system allows the gap to be adjusted dynamically, transforming a static precision problem into a dynamic control solution.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard manufacturing tolerances are used for vane strut assembly, then manufacturing cost decreases, but achieving small gap for sealing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the gap control function from the basic structural components. Instead of relying on tight tolerances of individual parts, the gap control is separated into a distinct adjustable mechanism, allowing standard tolerances for main components while achieving precise gap control through the adjustment device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism between the strut and flap components. This intermediary device mediates the gap control, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances for the main components while achieving the required small gap through the intermediary adjustment system.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable positioning mechanism is implemented, then positioning precision and sealing are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the positioning mechanism to perform multiple functions: structural support, gap adjustment, and sealing control. By making the mechanism multi-functional, the need for separate dedicated positioning devices is eliminated, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A strut-flap vane system for a turbomachine includes a vane strut (211) comprising an airfoil portion (211 b) and a strut mount (211a) extending in a radially outward direction from the airfoil portion. The strut mount forms a hollow semi-cylinder and includes threading (211 c) on an outer diameter thereof. The system includes an aft mount portion or portions (201) defining a hollow semi-cylinder configured to form a strut cylinder (203) with the strut mount such that the aft mount portion can be disposed in contact with the strut mount to form the strut cylinder. The strut cylinder defines a cylinder opening (205) and the aft mount portion includes threading (201 c) on an outer diameter thereof that aligns with the threading of the strut mount to allow a strut spanner nut (207) to mesh with both the strut mount and the mount portion. Furthermore, a method of assembling is disclosed.