Weld fixture and method for repairing annular components
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsDavid T. Reser, Robert Dale Lawrence, Michael Paul Cook, Larry Dean Brock, David John Dietz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multifunctional weld fixture is provided having a base receiving a component and a plurality of locator tabs disposed around its outer edge. A circumferential array of expansion feet are movably attached to the top surface of the base. A disk-shaped wedge is disposed in sliding engagement with the expansion feet. A cover supports a portion of the component and seals against the component to create an enclosed plenum. The same fixture may be used to expand the component to compensate for shrinkage after the weld is compete.
Claims15
A weld fixture comprising:
- a base having a top surface, a central axis and an outer edge;
- a plurality of axially-extending locator tabs removably attached to said outer edge, said tabs extending axially past said top surface;
- a plurality of expansion feet movably attached to said top surface of said base plate and arranged in an annular array, wherein said expansion feet can move in a radial direction;
- a generally disk-shaped wedge having a central axis and disposed adjacent said top surface of said base and coaxial to said base so that said wedge is disposed in contact with each of said expansion feet;
- means for clamping said wedge and said base in an axial direction;
- a cover disposed above said wedge, said cover having an outer surface;
- a gas seal disposed in said outer surface;
- and
- means for clamping said cover and said base in an axial direction.
A weld fixture comprising:
- a base having a top surface, a central axis and an outer edge;
- a plurality of axially-extending locator tabs removably attached to said outer edge, said tabs extending axially past said top surface;
- a plurality of expansion feet movably attached to said top surface of said base and arranged in an annular array, each of said expansion feet having an arcuate outer edge, wherein said expansion feet can move in a radial direction;
- a generally disk-shaped wedge having a central axis, said wedge disposed adjacent said top surface of said base and coaxial to said base so that said wedge is disposed in contact with said expansion feet;
- means for clamping said wedge and said base in an axial direction;
- a generally disk-shaped cover disposed above said wedge, said cover having a radially outwardly facing surface;
- a circumferentially extending gas seal disposed in said radially outwardly facing surface;
- an annular atmosphere tube surrounding said wedge and disposed above said expansion feet and below said cover, said atmosphere tube having at least one exit hole and at least one inlet for connecting said atmosphere tube in fluid communication with a gas supply tube;
- and
- means for clamping said cover and said base in an axial direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.