Gas turbine impeller alignment tool and method
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorErik C. Thomas
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for centering a shaft (for an impeller or other rotating component) in a gas turbine engine, such as that used in aircraft or other vehicles. The apparatus includes a base, at least one arm and an actuator. The arm is connected to the base and the actuator is located on a predetermined axis and aligns the impeller shaft to that axis. The actuator also applies a force to the actuator to simulate actual operational forces in the engine so that proper tolerances can be measured. The method includes steps of coupling the apparatus to a locator surface, impeller shaft with the actuator and moving the actuator such that an axial load is provided on the shaft.
Claims18
In a jet engine including at least a compressor module having an impeller mounted on a shaft and a shroud positioned proximate to the impeller, a method for centering the shaft and determining a clearance between the impeller and the shroud, comprising:
- obtaining a shaft centering tool having a base adapted for coupling the tool to a locator surface, at least one arm having a first end coupled to the base and a second end separated from the locator surface, and an actuator mounted on the arm and aligned on a predetermined axis to engage the impeller shaft, apply force thereto and align the shaft with the predetermined axis;
- coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- moving the actuator into engagement with an end of the shaft to place a predetermined force on the shaft;
- and
- measuring the clearance between the impeller and the shroud.
A tool for centering an impeller shaft in a jet engine in reference to a locator surface, the tool comprising:
- a base adapted for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- at least one arm having a first end coupled to the base and a second end separated from the locator surface;
- and
- an actuator mounted on the arm and aligned on a predetermined axis to engage the impeller shaft, apply force thereto and align the shaft with the predetermined axis.
A tool for centering an impeller shaft in a jet engine with reference to a locator surface, comprising:
- a base adapted for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- a hub having a threaded inner surface defining an opening;
- at least one arm having a first end mounted to the base and a second end mounted to the hub to locate the hub along a predetermined axis;
- and
- a threaded rod, engaged with the threaded inner surface of the hub, the threaded rod having at least a first end adapted to engage the shaft and a second end adapted to engage a nut, and having an outer surface that includes threads with the predetermined thread pitch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.