LATCHING MECHANISM FOR INTERNALLY MOUNTED FUEL NOZZLES

Abstract

A system for mounting a fuel nozzle in a turbine engine includes a fuel nozzle having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom, and a plurality of securing posts arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in the turbine engine, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts being adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, which depicts a combustor portion 180 of a turbine engine, fuel injectors 100 in accordance with the prior art are typically installed by mounting to an engine case 120 through apertures 191 formed therein. The body of each fuel injector 100 is bolted by a flange 160 and provided with a seal 150 between it and the engine case 120. The spray tip portion 110 of each fuel injector then fits into a respective aperture formed in the dome 130, and is sealed with a floating grommet 140. However, misalignment often occurs, leaving an asymmetrical gap 193 between the spray tip 110 and floating grommet 140. This condition creates a biased air flow around the nozzle tip, leading to biased sprays which may cause ignition problems, flame stability issues, combustor distress and pattern factor concerns.

Applicant recognizes the need, therefore, for improved mounting systems that facilitate simpler, faster installation and more accurate alignment of fuel nozzles to respective supporting structures, such as engine combustor domes. The devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure provide solutions for these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, devices, systems and methods are provided that simplify and speed turbine engine assembly, while reducing part counts, errors and overall cost.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for mounting a fuel nozzle in a turbine engine includes a fuel nozzle having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom, and a plurality of securing posts arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in the turbine engine, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts being adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss.

At least one of the plurality of securing posts can include a deflecting portion, adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss. The deflecting portion can include a pawl portion at a distal end thereof, adapted and configured to capture the corresponding boss, inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof. The deflecting portion can function as a rotational stop, substantially inhibiting rotational movement of the fuel nozzle in at least one rotational direction. The deflecting portion can be dimensioned to permit a predetermined degree of elastic deformation based on the material from which it is formed.

At least one of the plurality of securing posts can include a seat, the seat defining the inward most insertion position of the at least one fuel nozzle in the mounting position. At least one of the plurality of securing posts can include a stationary rotational stop, substantially inhibiting rotational movement of the fuel nozzle in at least one rotational direction. Three fuel nozzle can be provided with three bosses and the mounting position can be provided with three corresponding securing posts.

The plurality of bosses and the plurality of securing posts can be arranged circumferentially in a rotationally asymmetric pattern, such that the fuel nozzle can be installed in the mounting position in only one orientation.

The mounting position can be in a combustor dome. The plurality of securing posts can be integrally formed with the combustor dome. The securing posts and combustor dome can be integrally formed by an additive manufacturing process.

Systems in accordance with the invention can further include a plurality of fuel nozzles. Systems in accordance with the invention can further include a fuel manifold connected to the plurality of fuel nozzles, said fuel manifold being essentially fully contained within an engine casing of the turbine engine.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method of mounting a fuel injector nozzle to a mounting position in a turbine engine includes the steps of providing a fuel nozzle having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom, and providing a plurality of securing posts arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in the turbine engine, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts being adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss.

The subject methods can further include the step of inserting the fuel nozzle in the mounting position, causing at least one of the plurality of securing posts to resiliently engage a corresponding boss of the fuel nozzle. The subject methods can further include the step of rotating the fuel nozzle, rotational force causing the at least one of the plurality of securing posts to deflect and permit a corresponding boss of the fuel nozzle to pass through a restricted opening in the at least one securing post.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a turbine engine, includes a fuel nozzle having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom, and a plurality of securing posts arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in the turbine engine, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts being adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices, systems and methods of the subject disclosure without undue experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a combustor of a turbine engine, showing a fuel injector with nozzle installed through an engine casing and into a dome of a combustor of the engine, in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a fuel nozzle aligned and engaged with a corresponding portion of an engine combustor dome, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a fuel nozzle in accordance with the invention showing a plurality of supporting bosses for engaging corresponding securing posts on the combustor dome;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of an engine combustor dome in accordance with the present invention showing a plurality of securing posts for engaging respective bosses on a fuel nozzle;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a fuel nozzle aligned and engaged with a corresponding portion of an engine combustor dome, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a detail side view of a fuel nozzle aligned and engaged with a corresponding portion of an engine combustor dome, showing one embodiment of securing posts in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a detail side view of a fuel nozzle aligned and engaged with a corresponding portion of an engine combustor dome, showing another embodiment of securing posts in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a detail side view of a fuel nozzle aligned and engaged with a corresponding portion of an engine combustor dome, showing still another embodiment of securing posts in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure.

In accordance with the present invention, devices, systems and methods are provided that simplify and shorten installation time of fuel nozzles with their supporting structure(s), typically a dome of a combustor.

The subject systems, devices and methods further allow for mounting of fuel nozzles internal to an engine case. In conjunction with a fuel manifold also installed internal to the engine case, the quantity of penetrations through the engine case is drastically reduced-needing only one for fuel supply to the manifold to supply all injectors, for example.

Additionally, the subject systems, devices and methods keep the fuel nozzle tips centered in their mounting positions, drastically reducing biased airflow due to an off-center fuel nozzle.

Another advantage of the subject systems, devices and methods includes reduction in hardware needed for installation of each fuel nozzle, eliminating the need for various seals, grommets and bolts. Moreover, when used with an internally-mounted fuel manifold, the subject systems and devices help support said manifold without the need for additional brackets or fasteners.

The aforementioned benefits are heightened when large quantities of nozzles are used, such as is the trajectory of the art. Whereas engines have in the past included 15-20 fuel nozzles, engines can now include 60 or more fuel nozzles. Therefore, any economization of time or materials in installation of one fuel nozzle is realized many times over. Moreover, expenditures of time and concomitant frustration of precisely aligning large quantities of fuel nozzles are advantageously eliminated through use of the subject systems, devices and methods.

For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, FIGS. 2-8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a fuel nozzle mounting system in accordance with the present invention, which is designated generally by reference character 200. With reference to FIG. 2, the system 200 includes a fuel nozzle 210 and its supporting structure-which is typically a dome 220 of an engine combustor, as illustrated. The dome 220 is provided with securing posts 227, which correspond respectively to bosses 213 of the fuel nozzle 210.

With reference to FIG. 3, three bosses 213a, 213b, 213c are provided to engage a corresponding number of securing posts, however, this number can vary if need. Depending on the implementation, any number of bosses and corresponding posts can be provided. In particular, any number between about one and twenty can be provided. More particularly between about one and ten can be provided. Preferably, between two and seven are provided, still more preferably, three, four or five are provided. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the nozzle 210 includes three bosses 213a, 213b, 213c extending from the body 211 thereof. The bosses 213a, 213b, 213c are arranged circumferentially about the body 211, and are spaced apart by predetermined angles α, β, γ. The bosses 213a, 213b, 213c can be equally spaced apart, or alternatively, and as illustrated, the spacing can be unequal, such that the nozzle 210 can be installed in only one orientation. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, α is about the same as β, while γ is greater than α and β. In accordance with a preferred aspect, γ is only slightly greater than the other angles, so that support around the periphery of the body 211 is distributed essentially evenly.

The body 211, including bosses 213a, 213b, 213c can be manufactured by any suitable processes, including casting, and/or machining, or by way of additive manufacturing techniques. Alternatively, if desired, the bosses 213a, 213b, 213c can be affixed to the body 211 after forming, such as by welding, if desired. The materials from which the body 211 include any materials suitable for the conditions that are typically employed in the art, including but not limited to stainless steel alloys, nickel alloys and titanium.

With reference to FIG. 4, the dome 220 is provided with securing posts 227a, 227b, 227c corresponding to the bosses 213a, 213b, 213c of nozzle 210. The securing posts 227a, 227b, 227c are arranged circumferentially around an aperture 290 provided in the dome 220 for the fuel nozzle 210. Naturally, the spacing of securing posts 227a, 227b, 227c around the aperture 290 corresponds to the spacing of the bosses 213a, 213b, 213c of nozzle 210. A seat 229 can be provided in the dome 220 surrounding the aperture 290 and shaped to accommodate a corresponding surface of the fuel nozzle 210.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the fuel nozzle mounting system 200 illustrating an installed state of the nozzle 210 in the dome 220, and engagement of the bosses 213a, 213b, 213c with their respective securing posts 227a, 227b, 227c.

With reference to FIG. 6, a representative boss 213 is shown mated with a representative securing post 227. The securing post 227 is configured to engage and restrain the boss 213, preventing inadvertent removal or loosening. The post 227, as illustrated in FIG. 6, includes a seat 223 for the boss 213, defining the maximum insertion position. The boss 213, and in-turn the nozzle 210, is fixed rotationally in one direction by a lateral stop 226, and in the other direction by a deflecting portion 224 of the securing post 227. The deflecting portion 224 is imparted with flexibility by a cutout 228, which flexibility allows insertion of the boss 213. The deflecting portion 224 then springs back into place and captures the boss 213 with pawl portion 225, inhibiting rotation and removal of the nozzle.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the securing posts 227 and bosses 213 can be dimensioned such that installation can be simply accomplished by moving the nozzle 210 toward the dome 220 and posts, while rotationally aligning the bosses 213 with the posts 227. Each boss 213 then can rest on the end surface 222 of the post 227. At this point, the nozzle 210 can be rotated, each boss 213 then contacting the lateral edge of the pawl 225 thereof, and thereby deflecting the deflecting portion 224. When deflected sufficiently, the nozzle 210 can then be pushed further into its final seated position, at which point each deflecting portion 224 returns to its original position and captures each respective boss 213.

The securing posts 227 can be formed as part of the dome, or alternatively part of a smaller attached component. In accordance with the invention, the securing posts can be formed by any suitable technique, including casting and/or machining, or alternatively by additive manufacturing techniques. The materials from which the securing posts 227 can be formed include any materials suitable for the conditions that are typically employed in the art, including but not limited to stainless steel alloys, nickel alloys and titanium.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a securing post 727 in accordance with the invention. As with the embodiment illustrated in the preceding figures, a representative boss 213 is shown mated with the securing post 727. The configuration and function of the securing post 727 is similar to that of FIG. 6, except that bevels 723, 725 are provided at the end portion of the securing post 727 to facilitate installation of a fuel nozzle 210 by guiding and aligning each of the bosses 213 during installation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a securing post 827 in accordance with the invention. As with the embodiment illustrated in the preceding figures, a representative boss 213 is shown mated with the securing post 827. The configuration and function of the securing post 827 is similar to that of the preceding figures, except that two opposing deflecting portions 824a, 824b are provided—each of them deflecting during insertion of the nozzle 210, as the boss 213 bosses therebetween. In this manner, the deflection needed to allow the boss 213 to pass by is absorbed by two deflecting portions 824a, 824b, thereby requiring less deflection of either individual deflecting portion. Such an arrangement may be beneficial in cases where stiffer materials are used, or a shorter overall securing post height is desired, leaving each deflecting portion shorter and therefore unable to deflect as far as a longer deflecting portion.

While the devices, systems and methods of the subject disclosure have been shown and described with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for mounting a fuel nozzle in a turbine engine, comprising: a fuel nozzle having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom; anda plurality of securing posts arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in a dome of the turbine engine, the plurality of securing posts extending outwardly from the dome, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts being adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss, wherein each of the plurality of securing posts extends outwardly perpendicular to the dome, and at least one of the plurality of securing posts comprises a deflection portion perpendicular to the dome along a longitudinal axis, and adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss and deflect energy parallel to the dome.

2. (canceled)

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the deflecting portion comprises a pawl portion at a distal end thereof, adapted and configured to capture the corresponding boss, inhibiting inadvertent removal thereof.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the deflecting portion functions as a rotational stop, substantially inhibiting rotational movement of the fuel nozzle in at least one rotational direction.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the deflecting portion is adapted and configured to elastically deform during insertion of the fuel nozzle to its mounting position.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of securing posts comprises a seat, the seat defining the inward most insertion position of the at least one fuel nozzle in the mounting position.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of securing posts comprises a stationary rotational stop, substantially inhibiting rotational movement of the fuel nozzle in at least one rotational direction.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fuel nozzle is provided with three bosses and the mounting position is provided with three corresponding securing posts.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bosses and the plurality of securing posts are arranged circumferentially in a rotationally asymmetric pattern, such that the fuel nozzle can be installed in the mounting position in only one orientation.

10. (canceled)

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of securing posts are integrally formed with the combustor dome.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the securing posts and combustor dome are integrally formed by an additive manufacturing process.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of fuel nozzles.

14. (canceled)

15. A method of mounting a fuel injector nozzle to a mounting position in a turbine engine, the method comprising: providing a fuel nozzle having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom; andproviding a plurality of securing posts arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in a dome of the turbine engine, the plurality of securing posts extending outwardly perpendicular to the dome, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts being a deflection portion perpendicular to the surface of the dome along a longitudinal axis and adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss, and deflect energy parallel to the dome.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: inserting the fuel nozzle in the mounting position, causing at least one of the plurality of securing posts to resiliently engage a corresponding boss of the fuel nozzle.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: rotating the fuel nozzle, rotational force causing the at least one of the plurality of securing posts to deflect and permit a corresponding boss of the fuel nozzle to pass through a restricted opening in the at least one securing post.

18. A turbine engine, comprising: a fuel nozzle having a body, the body having a plurality of bosses arranged circumferentially about the body, extending radially outwardly therefrom; anda plurality of securing posts arranged circumferentially about a mounting position in a dome of the turbine engine, the plurality of securing posts extending outwardly perpendicular to the dome, each securing post corresponding to one of the plurality of bosses, at least one of the plurality of securing posts being a deflection portion perpendicular to the dome along a longitudinal axis and adapted and configured to resiliently engage a corresponding boss and deflect energy parallel to the dome.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)