Segmented component seal

Abstract

A seal for restricting leakage of a fluid from a first chamber, through a gap between two components, to a second chamber, is provided. A slot is formed in each of the two components. The slots face one another and are open to the gap. Each slot contains a longitudinal axis, an upstream surface proximate the first chamber and a downstream surface proximate the second chamber. Disposed in the slots and spanning the gap is a bridging element. The bridging element contains a sectional profile, transverse to the longitudinal slot axis, that includes a flat central portion disposed between two approximately wave shaped end portions. The bridging element spans the gap between the two components with the end portions disposed in the slots, and the central portion disposed in the gap.

1 . A seal for restricting leakage of a fluid from a first chamber, through a gap between two spaced components, to a second chamber, comprising: 
 a slot in each of the components, wherein the slots are open to the gap and each slot contains a longitudinal axis;    a bridging element, wherein said bridging element contains a sectional profile, transverse to the longitudinal slot axis, that includes a flat central portion disposed between two approximately waveform shaped end portions; and    wherein the bridging element spans between the two components with the end portions being disposed in the slots and the central portion being disposed in the gap.    
   
   
       2 . The seal of  claim 1  wherein the slots each contain an upstream surface proximate the first chamber and a downstream surface proximate the second chamber, and the end portions are resiliently sprung into the slots, forming an interference fit between the end portions and the upstream and downstream surfaces.  
   
   
       3 . The seal of  claim 2  wherein the central portion is adjacent the downstream surfaces.  
   
   
       4 . The seal of  claim 3  wherein the end portions alternate in direction, first away from and then back towards the gap.  
   
   
       5 . The seal of  claim 4  wherein the end portions alternate for approximately one wave cycle.  
   
   
       6 . The seal of  claim 1  wherein the bridging element is made of a nickel based alloy strip.  
   
   
       7 . The seal of  claim 1  wherein the longitudinal axis of each slot is linear.  
   
   
       8 . The seal of  claim 1  wherein the two components are turbine vanes.  
   
   
       9 . The seal of  claim 1  wherein the fluid is compressor air.  
   
   
       10 . A gap bridging element comprising: 
 a sectional profile, transverse to a longitudinal axis, said profile including a flat, central portion disposed between two approximately waveform shaped, end portions.    
   
   
       11 . The gap bridging element of  claim 10  wherein the end portions alternate in direction, away from and towards the central portion.  
   
   
       12 . The gap bridging element of  claim 11  wherein the end portions alternate for approximately one wave cycle.  
   
   
       13 . The gap bridging element of  claim 10  wherein the bridging element is made of a nickel based alloy strip.  
   
   
       14 . The gap bridging element of  claim 10  wherein the longitudinal axis is linear.