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.
Claims16
A tool for centering an impeller shaft in a jet engine in reference to a locator surface having a plurality of locator holes thereon, the tool comprising:
- a base having a main opening and a plurality of locator openings extending therethrough, the plurality of locator openings formed and spaced apart to substantially collocate with the locator holes for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- a plurality of arms, each having a first end coupled to the base and a second end separated from the locator surface;
- and
- an actuator mounted on the arms 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 having a plurality of locator holes thereon, comprising:
- a base having a main opening and a plurality of locator openings extending therethrough, the plurality of locator openings formed and spaced apart to substantially collocate with the locator holes for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- a hub having a threaded inner surface defining an opening;
- a plurality of arms, each 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.
A tool for centering an impeller shaft in a jet engine in reference to a locator surface, the tool comprising:
- a base having an opening extending therethrough, the base adapted-for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- a plurality of arms, each having a first end coupled to the base and a second end separated from the locator surface;
- and
- an actuator mounted on the arms and aligned on a predetermined axis to engage the impeller shaft, apply force thereto and align the shaft with the predetermined axis, the actuator comprising:
- a hub, having an outer surface and opening therethrough that forms an inner surface;
- and
- a rod inserted through the hub opening and adjustably moveable axially therein, the rod having at least a first end adapted to engage the impeller shaft, and
- a sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface, the sleeve outer surface coupled to the hub inner surface and the sleeve inner surface having threads with a predetermined thread pitch,
- wherein the rod has an outer surface that includes threads with the predetermined thread pitch.
A tool for centering an impeller shaft in a jet engine in reference to a locator surface, the tool comprising:
- a base having an opening extending therethrough, the base adapted-for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- a plurality of arms, each having a first end coupled to the base and a second end separated from the locator surface;
- and
- an actuator mounted on the arms and aligned on a predetermined axis to engage the impeller shaft, apply force thereto and align the shaft with the predetermined axis, the actuator comprising:
- a hub, having an outer surface and opening therethrough that forms an inner surface;
- and
- a rod inserted through the hub opening and adjustably moveable axially therein, the rod having at least a first end adapted to engage the impeller shaft, the first end of the rod includes a lower surface having at least a portion thereof that is beveled to a predetermined angle and sized to engage the impeller shaft.
A tool for centering an impeller shaft in a jet engine in reference to a locator surface, the tool comprising:
- a base having an opening extending therethrough, the base adapted-for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- a plurality of arms, each having a first end coupled to the base and a second end separated from the locator surface;
- and
- an actuator mounted on the arms and aligned on a predetermined axis to engage the impeller shaft, apply force thereto and align the shaft with the predetermined axis, the actuator comprising:
- a hub, having an outer surface and opening therethrough that forms an inner surface,
- a rod inserted through the hub opening and adjustably moveable axially therein, the rod having at least a first end adapted to engage the impeller shaft, and
- a shaft engagement piece coupled to the first end of the rod, the shaft engagement piece having at least a portion thereof that is beveled to a predetermined angle.
A tool for centering an impeller shaft in a jet engine with reference to a locator surface, comprising:
- a base having an opening extending therethrough, the base adapted for coupling the tool to the locator surface;
- a hub having a threaded inner surface defining an opening;
- a sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface, the sleeve outer surface coupled to the threaded inner surface of the hub and the sleeve inner surface having threads with a predetermined thread pitch;
- a plurality of arms, each 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.