Segmented clearance control ring
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsMichael G. McCaffrey, Igor S. Garcia, John R. Farris, Brian R. Pelletier, Thomas Almy, Brandon T. Rouse, Mark Borja
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A clearance control ring having at least two segments is disclosed. Each of the segments interlock with adjacent segments to form a full hoop clearance control ring. Separate carriers and seals or one-piece carriers and seals may be mounted on the clearance control ring. The segmented structure of the clearance control ring allows for simpler assembly with segmented cases for gas turbine engines than prior art one-piece clearance control rings. The segmented structure also may be used with one-piece pre-assembled and multi-stage rotors.
Claims19
A clearance control ring for a rotor, comprising:
- a first control ring segment
- a second control ring segment interlocked with the first control ring segment to form a full hoop clearance control ring, each segment of the clearance control ring having a forked end and a slotted end, each forked end interlocking with the slotted end of an adjacent segment to form a joint of the full hoop;
- and
- a plurality of carriers mounted onto the clearance control ring and a plurality of seals are mounted on the carriers.
A gas turbine engine, comprising:
- a rotor having a plurality of radially outwardly extending blades;
- a clearance control ring surrounding the radially extending blades of the rotor, the clearance control ring being segmented into at least two segments, each segment of the clearance control ring having a forked end interlocking with a slotted end of an adjacent segment to form a joint;
- and
- a fastener that extends through the joint.
A method of assembling a clearance control ring into a gas turbine engine, comprising:
- positioning a first control ring segment proximate a rotor of the gas turbine engine;
- interlocking a second segment of the clearance control ring with the first segment of the clearance control ring to create a joint between the adjacent segments of the clearance control ring;
- inserting a fastener through the joint;
- continuing the interlocking step until a full hoop clearance control ring circumscribes the engine rotor;
- and
- securing a case of the engine around the assembled clearance control ring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.