CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/862,162, filed August 5, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to louver springs, including louver springs that may be configured to provide relatively large deflection in a relatively narrow cavity or small envelope. Such louver springs may be utilized, for example and without limitation, with engine applications, such as a nozzle box assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0003] For some applications it may be necessary or desirable to provide a spring element or mechanism into or within a relatively large diameter and small cavity and to separate two components with an axial force. For some applications, there is no good conventional solution for fitting a spring element/mechanism in or within a small radial width and to still meet a wide deflection range, particularly when the spring is to be compressed (for example, compressed more than 40%) and still must meet a force requirement. Without limitation, an example of such an application or environment may involve an engine nozzle box.

SUMMARY

[0004] A louver spring includes a plurality of integral spring elements provided

circumferentially in series to form a ring-like configuration. In embodiments, the spring element may include a stiff ener having a portion that extends outwardly from an adjacent circumferential surface of the spring element, and the stiffener may include a beam type stiffener. Various embodiments and configurations are disclosed.

[0005] Various aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the various embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWTNGS

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a cavity for a spring application, and includes surfaces of two components that are intended to be separated;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a louver spring;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a louver assembly, generally illustrating a portion of a louver spring in a portion of a cavity;

[0010] FIG. 4A generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4B generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4A;

[0012] FIG. 5A generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to a first exemplary configuration;

[0013] FIG. 5B generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5A;

[0014] FIG. 6A generally illustrates at perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 5A;

[0015] FIG. 6B generally illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a louver spring installed in a cavity;

[0016] FIG. 7 A generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to a second exemplary configuration;

[0017] FIG. 7B generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring similar to that illustrated in FIG. 7A;

[0018] FIG. 7C generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B;

[0019] FIG. 8A generally illustrates at top plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 7A;

[0020] FIG. 8B generally illustrates a perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 8A; [0021] FIG. 9A generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to a third exemplary configuration;

[0022] FIG. 9B generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring similar to that illustrated in FIG. 9A;

[0023] FIG. 10 generally illustrates a perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 9A;

[0024] FIG. 11A generally illustrates an enlarged (and rotated) perspective view of a portion of the louver spring shown in FIG. 9A;

[0025] FIG. 11B generally illustrates another enlarged (and rotated) perspective view of a portion of the louver spring shown in FIG. 9B;

[0026] FIG. 12A generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to a fourth exemplary configuration;

[0027] FIG. 12B generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring similar to FIG. 12 A;

[0028] FIG. 12C generally illustrates a perspective view of another portion of a louver spring;

[0029] FIG. 13 generally illustrates at perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 12A;

[0030] FIG. 14A generally illustrates an enlarged (and rotated) perspective view of a portion of the louver spring shown in FIG. 12A;

[0031] FIG. 14B generally illustrates an enlarged (and rotated) perspective view of a portion of the louver spring shown in FIG. 12B;

[0032] FIG. 15A generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to a fifth exemplary configuration;

[0033] FIG. 15B generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring similar to FIG. 15 A;

[0034] FIG. 16A generally illustrates a perspective plan view of a louver spring embodying teachings of the fifth exemplary configuration;

[0035] FIG. 16B generally illustrates a perspective plan view of a louver spring embodying teachings of the fifth exemplary configuration; [0036] FIGS. 17A through 17C generally illustrate enlarged (and rotated) perspective views of a portion of the louver spring of the type generally shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B;

[0037] FIGS. 18A and 18B generally illustrate perspective views of a louver spring embodying teachings of the sixth exemplary configuration;

[0038] FIG. 19 generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring of the type generally shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B;

[0039] FIG. 20 generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to a seventh exemplary configuration; and

[0040] FIG. 21 generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to an eighth exemplary configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a cavity 10 for a spring application is generally illustrated. As shown, cavity 10 may be provided between a portion of a first component 20 and a portion of a second component 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second components are depicted as being offset from a centerline CL. A dimension of the cavity 10 may span, for example, between a first surface 22 (which may be a plate surface) and a second surface 32 (which may be a plate surface) that are intended to be separated in operation. In the illustrated embodiment, several distances - A thru D - are generally depicted. It is noted that distances A through D may be sized for a given configuration and/or application. Distance D generally illustrates a separation distance between the first surface 22 and second surface 32. By way of example, and without limitation, distance D may be about 0.125 inches or within a range of about 0.100 to 0.250 inches.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a louver spring 40 in accordance with aspects and teachings of the present disclosure. As generally illustrated, a louver spring 40 may include a plurality of spring elements 50 that are provided integrally in series (e.g., circumferentially) to form a ring-like configuration about a central axis. Embodiments of the louver spring may be utilized in applications that involve comparatively large diameters and relatively smaller radial widths. For example, and without limitation, louver springs in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure might be utilized with applications having diameters of 7 inches or greater, and radial widths of 0.100 inches. Embodiments can include an arrangement of a number (and perhaps a large number) of spring elements 50 disposed circumferentially about the louver spring 40. The inclusion of a plurality of spring elements in connection with a louver spring can, among other things, reduce the amount of force required per individual spring element 50. In embodiments,

[0044] As generally illustrated in FIG. 3, an embodiment of a louver spring 40 may be provided, at least partially, within a cavity formed between a portion of a first component 20 and a portion of a second component 30.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 4 A and 4B a portion of a spring element 50 according to an embodiment of a louver spring 40 is generally illustrated. The spring element 50 may include a stiffener 60, which can take the form of a beam type stiffener. As generally illustrated, a portion of the stiffener 60 may be configured to extend outwardly (e.g., axially outwardly) from a surface (e.g., a circumferential surface) or plane of an adjacent portion of the spring element 50. That is, portions of the stiffener 60 can be configured to deflect (e.g., about an axis generally parallel to the radial direction) and can provide a measure of force in the associated (outward extending) axial direction. By modifying various control factors or parameters (e.g., number of stiffeners (N), thickness (t), length (L), displacement/raised length (1), width B), and/or material, etc.), each louver spring can be suitably designed or configured to optimize a desired stiffness (force v. deflection) and operate within controlled limits (such as stress limits) - for example, to ensure life in terms of number of deflection cycles. For example, and without limitation, with an embodiment, the spring stiffness may be greater than 10,000 pounds of force per inch. In embodiments, stiffener 60 may extend in a generally circumferential direction and/or the circumferential length of stiffener 60 may be longer than the radial length of stiffener 60.

[0046] The louver spring may be comprised of various known materials. For example, and without limitation, for embodiments intended for relatively low temperature applications, spring steels can be used. For embodiments intended for higher temperatures (e.g., more than 1000 F), the louver spring may be comprised, for example and without limitation, Inco X750, Inco 718, or other Nickel-based super alloys.

[0047] For embodiments of the louver spring, various known manufacturing may be employed to form the spring elements. For example, material may be cut or removed from rings to form desired spring elements in a louver spring. Modifications to the spring elements, can generally be made in the manufacturing process to provide a louver ring with a plurality of spring elements of a given configuration to meet customized sizing and/or stiffness requirements.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure may, for example and without limitation, be configured to fit to a small radial width environment, and yet accommodate a wide deflection range. For example, with some embodiments, the spring louver may be compressed as much as 40% or more, while still meeting force requirements. Such advantages can be particularly useful in some environments/applications where other solutions are difficult or scarce - for example, and without limitation, nozzle box applications.

[0049] FIGS. 5A and 5B generally illustrates perspective views of a portion of a louver spring according to a first exemplary configuration. As generally illustrated, the first exemplary configuration may include inner and outer diameters of the louver spring being continuous. FIG. 6A generally illustrates a perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 5. This exemplary embodiment generally discloses a single-side spring feature/element. FIG. 6B generally illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a louver spring installed in a cavity.

[0050] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C generally illustrate perspective views of a portion of a louver spring according to a second exemplary configuration. FIG. 8A generally illustrates at top plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 8B generally illustrates a perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 8A. This exemplary embodiment also generally discloses a single-side spring feature/element.

[0051] FIGS. 9 A and 9B generally illustrate perspective views of a portion of a louver spring according to a third exemplary configuration. FIG. 10 generally illustrates a perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 11A generally illustrates an enlarged (and rotated) perspective view of a portion of the louver spring shown in FIG. 9A, while FIG. 11B generally illustrates another enlarged (and rotated) perspective view of a portion of the louver spring shown in FIG. 9B. This exemplary embodiment generally discloses a double-side spring feature/element. With such an embodiment, the louver spring may comprise two louver springs that may be stacked or connected to function together. As desired, various known connection methods, such as welding or spot welding may be used to connect two springs. In an embodiment, two louver springs may be connected (such as illustrated in FIG. 11 A) such that respective beam stiffeners form a "V"-shaped element/feature, which may include respective beam stiffeners of the first and second louver spring extending in the same circumferential direction but in opposite axial directions.

[0052] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C generally illustrate perspective views of a portion of a louver spring according to a fourth exemplary configuration. FIG. 13 generally illustrates a perspective plan view of the louver spring shown in FIG. 12A. FIGS. 14A and 14B generally illustrate enlarged (and rotated) perspective views of a portion of the louver spring shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively. This exemplary embodiment also generally discloses a double-side spring feature/element. With such an embodiment, the louver spring may also comprise two louver springs that are stacked or connected to function together. In an

embodiment, two louver springs may be connected (such as illustrated in FIG. 14A) such that respective beam stiffeners extend in opposing directions (e.g., axially and/or circumferentially), and may generally mirror one another with some measure of overlap (e.g., in the radial direction and/or in the circumferential direction).

[0053] FIGS. 15A and 15B generally illustrate perspective views of a portion of a louver spring according to a fifth exemplary configuration. FIGS. 16A and 16B generally illustrate perspective plan view of a louver spring embodying teachings of the fifth exemplary

configuration. FIGS. 17A through 17C generally illustrate enlarged (and rotated) perspective views of a portion of the louver spring of the type generally shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. This exemplary embodiment also generally discloses a double-side spring feature/element.

[0054] FIGS. 18A and 18B generally illustrate perspective views of a louver spring embodying teachings of the sixth exemplary configuration. FIG. 19 generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring of the type generally shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. This exemplary embodiment also generally discloses a double-side spring feature/element. [0055] FIG. 20 generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to a seventh exemplary configuration. This embodiment illustrates plurality of axially spaced rows of resilient stiffeners extending radially outward relative to a central axis. This embodiment also illustrates a plurality of slits separating adjacent stiffeners in each row and that the slits may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a primary seal/spring hinge (e.g., a central axis). With such a "perpendicular" configuration, the forming/cutting process may be made easier. One or more of the axially spaced rows may generally include an arcuate cross section when viewed along the circumferential direction.

[0056] FIG. 21 generally illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a louver spring according to an eighth exemplary configuration. This embodiment illustrates a plurality of slits that are angled (e.g., obliquely) with respect to a primary seal/spring hinge. Such angling may permit the spring elements to be longer, which can increase the associated amount of resilience or spring back, and may reduce the stiffness to a desired degree. With such angled

configurations, it is noted that the direction/angle of the slits on one side (e.g., a top set or first row) can be opposite that of the angle/direction on the other side (e.g., a bottom set or second row). Such a configuration may be used to alleviate the potential for rolling - for example, due to large radial growth differentials between the seal/spring and the cavity surfaces. Moreover, an opposing angle/direction of slits may cause the seal/spring to twist or move in a torsional direction as it is compressed. This torsional force may be used to oppose the frictional force of the cavity as it outgrows the seal/spring, reducing the potential for the spring/seal to roll in the cavity.

[0057] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalents.