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.

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; and   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 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; and   providing 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; and   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 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)