Patent Description:
Various tools and methods are known in the art for use in assembling a seal device of a gas turbine engine. While these known tools and methods have various benefits, there is still room in the art for improvement. There is a need in the art therefore for improved tools and methods for assembling a seal device of a gas turbine engine. Arrangements of the prior art are disclosed in the following documents:.

<CIT>: A seal assembly includes first and second seats. The first seat includes an axial portion extending circumferentially around a center axis and extending axially from a first end to a second end. A radial portion extends circumferentially around the axial portion and extends radially from the axial portion between the first end and the second end. A cavity is formed in the radial portion and extends circumferentially around the axial portion. A second seat includes a radial segment extending circumferentially around the center axis and extending radially from an inner surface to an outer surface of the radial segment.

<CIT>: An assembly is provided for rotational equipment. This assembly includes a seal land and a seal element. The seal land extends circumferentially around and is configured to rotate about an axial centerline. The seal element is abutted against and is sealingly engaged with the seal land. The seal element extends circumferentially around the axial centerline. The seal element includes porous material, an exterior surface and a seal element passage. The seal element is configured to flow lubricant from the seal element passage, through the porous material, to the exterior surface.

<CIT> A rotary shaft is surrounded by a sleeve which is rotatable with it and which is in turn surrounded over all but an axial end portion by an inner annular housing. The axial end portion is provided with an external circumferential groove and the inner annular housing has in the region of this groove a radially directed outward flange which is connected with an outer annular housing surrounding the inner annular housing.

<CIT>: An egress seal fitting for a bulkhead penetration may comprise a housing, a driver configured to couple to the housing and define a cavity within the housing, and a seal member configured to be disposed within the cavity of the housing, wherein the driver is configured to pass a cable through the housing and apply pressure to the seal member.

According to an aspect of the invention, a tool is provided for assembling a seal device of a gas turbine engine according to claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the invention, a manufacturing method is provided according to claim <NUM>.

The following optional features may be applied to any of the above aspects.

A or the carbon seal element may be captured axially between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall may include a rim. The second sidewall may be press fit into the rim during the moving of the first tool die and the second tool die axially together along the axis.

The first tool die may also include a first die base. The first die curb may project axially out from the first die base along the axis. The first die curb may extend circumferentially about the axis. The first die bumper may be spaced radially outward from the first die curb by a first die channel. The first die bumper may project axially out from the first die base along the axis. The first die bumper may extend circumferentially about the axis. The second tool die may also include a second die base. The second die curb may project axially out from the second die base along the axis. The second die curb may extend circumferentially about the axis. The second die bumper may be spaced radially outward from the second die curb by a second die channel. The second die bumper may project axially out from the second die base along the axis. The second die bumper may extend circumferentially about the axis.

The first die curb may be configured to radially engage and locate a first sidewall of the seal device within the receptacle. The first die bumper may be configured to axially engage and press against the first sidewall. The second die curb may be configured to radially engage and locate a second sidewall of the seal device within the receptacle. The second die bumper may be configured to axially engage and press against the second sidewall. The centering element may be configured to radially engage and locate a seal element of the seal device disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

The first die curb may include an outer cylindrical surface configured to radially contact the seal device within the receptacle. The first die bumper may include an annular planar surface configured to axially contact the seal device within the receptacle.

The second die curb may include an outer cylindrical surface configured to radially contact the seal device within the receptacle. The second die bumper may include an annular planar surface configured to axially contact the seal device within the receptacle.

The centering element may include an outer cylindrical surface configured to radially contact a seal element (e.g., a carbon seal element) of the seal device within the receptacle.

An axial distal end of the first die bumper may be axially recessed inward towards the first die base from an axial distal end of the first die curb.

The first die base may project radially outward to a first base distal end. The first die bumper may be spaced radially inward from the first base distal end.

The centering element may be attached to the first die base. The centering element may radially abut and/or may be circumscribed by the first die curb.

An axial distal end of the second die bumper may be axially recessed inward towards the second die base from an axial distal end of the second die curb.

The second die base may project radially outward to a second base distal end. The second die bumper may be disposed at the second base distal end.

The first die bumper and/or the first die curb may have a rectangular sectional geometry. In addition or alternatively, the second die bumper and/or the second die curb may have a triangular sectional geometry.

The actuator may be configured to move the first tool die and the second tool die towards one another from an open position to a closed position to axially press the seal device between the first tool die and the second tool die. The centering element may be axially spaced from the second tool die by a gap at the closed position.

The first tool die and the second tool die may each be configured from or otherwise include a metal. In addition or alternatively, the centering element may be configured from or otherwise include a polymer.

The actuator may be configured from or otherwise include a linear actuator.

The actuator may include a shaft, a piston and a housing. The shaft may be connected to the first die base. The shaft may project axially along the axis through the centering element and the second tool die into the housing to the piston.

The housing may include a portion of the second tool die.

The invention may include any one or more of the individual optional features disclosed above and/or below alone or in any combination thereof.

<FIG> illustrates a tool <NUM> (e.g., a press) for assembling a seal device <NUM> of a gas turbine engine. This assembly tool <NUM> includes a bottom tool die <NUM>, a top tool die <NUM>, a centering element <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>. The assembly tool <NUM> is configured with a seal device receptacle <NUM> in which the seal device <NUM> is received and assembled during assembly tool operation. It is worth noting, for ease of description, the components <NUM>-<NUM> of the assembly tool <NUM> are described below with reference to an exemplary orientation shown in <FIG>. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such an exemplary orientation. The tool die <NUM>, for example, may alternatively be arranged vertically above the tool die <NUM> (e.g., the opposite orientation). In another example, the tool dies <NUM> and <NUM> may be vertically next to one another where the assembly tool <NUM> is rotated, for example, ninety degrees.

Referring to <FIG>, the bottom tool die <NUM> extends axially along a centerline axis <NUM> of the assembly tool <NUM> (see <FIG>) between and to a bottom side <NUM> of the bottom tool die <NUM> and a top side <NUM> of the bottom tool die <NUM>, which centerline axis <NUM> may be parallel (e.g., coaxial) with a centerline axis of the seal device <NUM> (see <FIG>). The bottom tool die <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>, which may provide the bottom tool die <NUM> with a full-hoop annular body. The bottom tool die <NUM> extends radially between and to a radial inner side <NUM> of the bottom tool die <NUM> and a radial outer side <NUM> of the bottom tool die <NUM>. The bottom tool die <NUM> of <FIG> includes a bottom die base <NUM>, a bottom die curb <NUM> and a bottom die bumper <NUM>.

The bottom die base <NUM> is disposed at (e.g., on, adjacent or proximate) the bottom die bottom side <NUM>. The bottom die base <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> to the bottom die bottom side <NUM>. The bottom die base <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>. The bottom die base <NUM> projects radially out from the bottom die inner side <NUM> to a bottom die base distal end <NUM> at the bottom die outer side <NUM>. At the bottom die inner side <NUM>, the bottom die base <NUM> forms a bottom die aperture <NUM>. This bottom die aperture <NUM> extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> through the bottom tool die <NUM> and its bottom die base <NUM>. The bottom die aperture <NUM> of <FIG> includes a bore <NUM> and a counterbore <NUM>. The bore <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> into the bottom die base <NUM> from the bottom die top side <NUM> to the counterbore <NUM>. The counterbore <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> into the bottom die base <NUM> from the bottom die bottom side <NUM> to the bore <NUM>.

The bottom die curb <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the bottom die base <NUM>. The bottom die curb <NUM> is disposed at the bottom die top side <NUM>. The bottom die curb <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> in a first axial direction out from the bottom die base <NUM> to an axial distal end <NUM> of the bottom die curb <NUM> at the bottom die top side <NUM>. The bottom die curb <NUM> extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>. The bottom die curb <NUM> extends radially between and to a radial inner side <NUM> of the bottom die curb <NUM> and a radial outer side <NUM> of the bottom die curb <NUM>. The bottom die curb <NUM> of <FIG> has a generally rectangular sectional geometry (with sharp or eased corners) when viewed in a reference plane, for example, parallel with and/or coincident with the centerline axis <NUM>; e.g., the plane of <FIG>. The bottom die curb <NUM> of <FIG> may include an outer (e.g., cylindrical) surface <NUM> at the bottom curb outer side <NUM>.

The bottom die curb <NUM> and its bottom curb inner side <NUM> are radially spaced from a hub <NUM> of the bottom die base <NUM> by an inner channel <NUM> of the bottom tool die <NUM>. This inner bottom die channel <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> into the bottom die tool from the bottom die top side <NUM> to a channel end <NUM>. The inner bottom die channel <NUM> extends radially within the bottom tool die <NUM> between and to the bottom curb inner side <NUM> and an outer side <NUM> of the bottom die hub <NUM>. The inner bottom die channel <NUM> extends within the bottom tool die <NUM> circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>.

The bottom die bumper <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the bottom die base <NUM>. The bottom die bumper <NUM> is disposed towards the bottom die top side <NUM>. The bottom die bumper <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> in the first axial direction out from the bottom die base <NUM> to an annular (e.g., planar, flat) surface <NUM> of the bottom die bumper <NUM> at a distal end <NUM> of the bottom die bumper <NUM>. This bottom bumper distal end <NUM> and its bottom bumper surface <NUM> is (e.g., slightly) recessed axially inward along the centerline axis <NUM> towards the bottom die base <NUM> from the bottom curb distal end <NUM>. The bottom die bumper <NUM> and its bottom bumper surface <NUM> extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>. The bottom die bumper <NUM> extends radially between and to a radial inner side <NUM> of the bottom die bumper <NUM> and a radial outer side <NUM> of the bottom die bumper <NUM>. The bottom die bumper <NUM> of <FIG> has a generally rectangular sectional geometry (with sharp or eased corners) when viewed in the reference plane.

The bottom die bumper <NUM> and its bottom bumper outer side <NUM> are spaced radially inward from the bottom die base distal end <NUM>. The bottom die bumper <NUM> and its bottom bumper inner side <NUM> are radially spaced from the bottom curb outer side <NUM> by an outer channel <NUM> of the bottom tool die <NUM>. This outer bottom die channel <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> into the bottom tool die <NUM> from the bottom die top side <NUM> to a channel end <NUM>. The outer bottom die channel <NUM> extends radially within the bottom tool die <NUM> between and to the bottom curb outer side <NUM> and bottom bumper inner side <NUM>. The outer bottom die channel <NUM> extends within the bottom tool die <NUM> circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>.

The bottom tool die <NUM> may be constructed as a monolithic body from bottom tool die material. This bottom tool die material may be metal such as, but not limited to, steel. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary bottom tool die materials.

Referring to <FIG>, the top tool die <NUM> extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> between and to a bottom side <NUM> of the top tool die <NUM> and a top side <NUM> of the top tool die <NUM>. The top tool die <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>, which may provide the top tool die <NUM> with a full-hoop annular body. The top tool die <NUM> extends radially between and to a radial inner side <NUM> of the top tool die <NUM> and a radial outer side <NUM> of the top tool die <NUM>. The top tool die <NUM> of <FIG> includes a top die base <NUM>, a top die curb <NUM> and a top die bumper <NUM>.

The top die base <NUM> is disposed at the top die top side <NUM>. The top die base <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> to the top die top side <NUM>. The top die base <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>. The top die base <NUM> projects radially out from the top die inner side <NUM> to a top die base distal end <NUM> at the top die outer side <NUM>. At the top die inner side <NUM>, the top die base <NUM> forms a top die aperture <NUM>. This top die aperture <NUM> extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> through the top tool die <NUM> and its top die base <NUM>. The top die aperture <NUM> of <FIG> includes a bore <NUM> and one or more counterbores <NUM> and <NUM>. The bore <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> into the top die base <NUM> from the top die bottom side <NUM> to the interior counterbore <NUM>. The exterior counterbore <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> into the top die base <NUM> from the top die top side <NUM> to the interior counterbore <NUM>. The interior counterbore <NUM> extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> within the top die base <NUM> between and to the bore <NUM> and the exterior counterbore <NUM>.

The top die curb <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the top die base <NUM>. The top die curb <NUM> is disposed at the top die bottom side <NUM>. The top die curb <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> in a second axial direction (opposite the first axial direction) out from the top die base <NUM> to an axial distal end <NUM> of the top die curb <NUM> at top die bottom side <NUM>. The top die curb <NUM> extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>. The top die curb <NUM> extends radially between and to a radial inner side <NUM> of the top die curb <NUM> and a radial outer side <NUM> of the top die curb <NUM>. The top die curb <NUM> of <FIG> has a generally triangular sectional geometry (with a sharp or eased tip) when viewed in the reference plane; e.g., the plane of <FIG>. The top die curb <NUM> of <FIG> may include an outer (e.g., cylindrical) surface <NUM> at the top curb outer side <NUM>, and an inner (e.g., frustoconical) surface <NUM> at the top curb inner side <NUM>. The top curb inner surface <NUM> may meet the top curb outer surface <NUM> at the tip of the top die curb <NUM>.

The top die curb <NUM> and its top curb inner side <NUM> is radially spaced from a radial outer edge of the exterior counterbore <NUM>.

The top die bumper <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the top die base <NUM>. The top die bumper <NUM> is disposed towards the top die bottom side <NUM>. The top die bumper <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> in the second axial direction out from the top die base <NUM> to an annular (e.g., planar, flat) surface <NUM> of the top die bumper <NUM> at a distal end <NUM> of the top die bumper <NUM>. This top bumper distal end <NUM> and its top bumper surface <NUM> is (e.g., slightly) recessed axially inward along the centerline axis <NUM> towards the bottom die base <NUM> from the top curb distal end <NUM>. The top die bumper <NUM> and its top bumper surface <NUM> extend circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>. The top die bumper <NUM> extends radially between and to a radial inner side <NUM> of the top die bumper <NUM> and a radial outer side <NUM> of the top die bumper <NUM>; e.g., the top die base distal end <NUM> in <FIG>. The top die bumper <NUM> of <FIG> has a generally rectangular sectional geometry (with sharp or eased corners) when viewed in the reference plane.

The top die bumper <NUM> and its top bumper inner side <NUM> are radially spaced from the top curb outer side <NUM> by a channel <NUM> of the top tool die <NUM>. This top die channel <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> into the top tool die <NUM> from the top die bottom side <NUM> to a channel end <NUM>. The top die channel <NUM> extends radially within the top tool die <NUM> between and to the top curb outer side <NUM> and top bumper inner side <NUM>. The top die channel <NUM> extends within the top tool die <NUM> circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>.

The top tool die <NUM> may be constructed as a monolithic body from top tool die material. This top tool die material may be metal such as, but not limited to, steel. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary top tool die materials.

Referring to <FIG>, the centering element <NUM> extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> between and to a bottom side <NUM> of the centering element <NUM> and a top side <NUM> of the centering element <NUM>. The centering element <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>, which may provide the centering element <NUM> with a full-hoop tubular body. The centering element <NUM> extends radially between and to a radial inner side <NUM> of the centering element <NUM> and a radial outer side <NUM> of the centering element <NUM>. The centering element <NUM> of <FIG> includes a tubular centering element base <NUM> and an annular centering element rim <NUM>.

The element base <NUM> extends axially along the centerline axis <NUM> between and to the element bottom side <NUM> and the element top side <NUM>. The element base <NUM> extends radially between and to the element inner side <NUM> and an outer (e.g., cylindrical) surface <NUM> at or about the element outer side <NUM>. The element base <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>.

The element rim <NUM> is connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the element base <NUM>. The element rim <NUM> is disposed at the element bottom side <NUM> and the element outer side <NUM>. The element rim <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, extends axially along the centering axis <NUM> between and to the element bottom side <NUM> and a top side <NUM> of the element rim <NUM> that is axially spaced from the element top side <NUM>. The element rim <NUM> projects radially out from the element base <NUM> and its base outer surface <NUM> to the element outer side <NUM>. The element rim <NUM> extends circumferentially about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM>.

The centering element <NUM> may be constructed as a monolithic body from centering element material. This centering element material may be relatively soft or compliant material (compared to metal) such as, but not limited to, polymer; e.g., thermoplastic. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary centering element materials.

Referring to <FIG>, the assembly tool components <NUM>-<NUM> are aligned together along the centerline axis <NUM>. The centering element <NUM> is mated with the bottom tool die <NUM>. The centering element <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is seated in the inner bottom die channel <NUM>. This centering element <NUM> may be attached to the bottom tool die <NUM> with one or more fasteners <NUM>. The centering element <NUM> is arranged axially along the centerline axis <NUM> between the bottom tool die <NUM> and the top tool die <NUM>. With this arrangement, the seal device receptacle <NUM> projects radially (inwards towards the centerline axis <NUM>) into the assembly tool <NUM> to the centering element <NUM>. The seal device receptacle <NUM> extends axially within the assembly tool <NUM> between and to the bottom tool die <NUM> and the top tool die <NUM>. The seal device receptacle <NUM> extends circumferentially within the assembly tool <NUM> about (e.g., completely around) the centerline axis <NUM> and the centering element <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> may be configured as a linear actuator. The actuator <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is configured as a hydraulic cylinder actuator. The actuator <NUM> of <FIG> includes an actuator housing <NUM>, an actuator piston <NUM> and an actuator drive element <NUM>. A bottom end section of the housing <NUM> of <FIG> may be formed by a hub <NUM> of the top tool die <NUM>. The piston <NUM> is disposed within an internal chamber <NUM> (e.g., a sealed cavity) of the housing <NUM>. The drive element <NUM> of <FIG> includes a head <NUM> and a shaft <NUM> connected to (e.g., formed integral with) the shaft <NUM>. The head <NUM> is mated with the bottom tool die <NUM>. The head <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is seated within the counterbore <NUM>, and the head <NUM> may be attached to the bottom tool die <NUM> with one or more fasteners <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> out from the head <NUM>, sequentially through the bore <NUM>, an inner bore <NUM> of the centering element <NUM> and the top die aperture <NUM>, and into the chamber <NUM> to the piston <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is connected to the piston <NUM>. A threaded portion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> in <FIG>, for example, projects axially along the centerline axis <NUM> through the piston <NUM>, and this threaded shaft portion <NUM> is attached to the piston <NUM> with a nut <NUM>.

During operation of the assembly tool <NUM> of <FIG>, hydraulic fluid may be directed into the chamber <NUM> to push the piston <NUM> axially along the centerline axis <NUM> away from the top die hub <NUM>. The piston <NUM> may thereby move, via the drive element <NUM>, the bottom tool die <NUM> and the top tool die <NUM> axially along the centerline axis <NUM> towards one another from a first (e.g., open, relaxed) position to a second (e.g., closed, press) position of <FIG>. The axial movement may press and hold components of the seal device <NUM> together.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of a method <NUM> for manufacturing (e.g., assembling) the seal device <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the seal device <NUM> may include a first sidewall <NUM>, a second sidewall <NUM> and a carbon seal element <NUM>. The seal device <NUM> may also include one or more additional internal components such as, but not limited to, a spring element and a spacer.

In step <NUM>, the first sidewall <NUM> is arranged with the bottom tool die <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM>, more particularly, is mated with the bottom die curb <NUM> and the bottom die bumper <NUM>. An inner flange <NUM> of the first sidewall <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is received within (e.g., projects axially into) the outer bottom die channel <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM> and its inner flange <NUM> circumscribe the bottom die curb <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM> and its inner flange <NUM> radially engage (e.g., contact, abut against, etc.) the bottom curb surface <NUM>. This engagement radially locates the first sidewall <NUM> about (e.g., aligns a centerline of the first sidewall <NUM> with) the centerline axis <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM> also axially engages the bottom die bumper <NUM> and its surface <NUM>. An interface between the first sidewall <NUM> and the bottom die bumper <NUM> may be the only axial engagement between the first sidewall <NUM> and the bottom tool die <NUM>; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In step <NUM>, the seal element <NUM> is arranged with the centering element <NUM>. The centering element <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, is received within (e.g., projects axially through) an inner bore of the seal element <NUM>. The seal element <NUM> circumscribes the centering element <NUM> and its element base <NUM>. The seal element <NUM> radially engages the base outer surface <NUM>. This engagement radially locates the seal element <NUM> about (e.g., aligns a centerline of the centering element <NUM> with) the centerline axis <NUM> and with the first sidewall <NUM>. During this step, the other components (e.g., the spring element, etc.) of the seal device <NUM> may also be arranged with the seal element <NUM> and/or the first sidewall <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the second sidewall <NUM> is arranged with the top tool die <NUM>. The second sidewall <NUM>, more particularly, is mated with the top die curb <NUM> and the top die bumper <NUM>. An outer portion <NUM> of the second sidewall <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, circumscribe the top die curb <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM> and its outer portion <NUM> radially engage the top curb outer surface <NUM>. This engagement radially locates the second sidewall <NUM> about (e.g., aligns a centerline of the second sidewall <NUM> with) the centerline axis <NUM>. The second sidewall <NUM> and its outer portion <NUM> also axially engage the top die bumper <NUM>. An interface between the second sidewall <NUM> and the top die bumper <NUM> may be the only axial engagement between the second sidewall <NUM> and the top tool die <NUM>; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In step <NUM>, the seal device <NUM> is assembled. The actuator <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, may be assembled with the assembly tool components <NUM>-<NUM>. The hydraulic fluid may be directed into the chamber <NUM> to pull the bottom tool die <NUM> and the top tool die <NUM> axially together along the centerline axis <NUM> to the second position of <FIG> and <FIG>. This relative movement of the bottom tool die <NUM> and the top tool die <NUM> presses the first sidewall <NUM> and the second sidewall <NUM> together. The second sidewall <NUM> and its outer portion <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, may be pressed axially into a tubular outer rim <NUM> of the first sidewall <NUM> to provide a radial interference fit between the outer portion <NUM> and the outer rim <NUM>. To facilitate this pressing, at least the first sidewall <NUM> and its outer rim <NUM> may be heated to increase an inner diameter of the outer rim <NUM> through thermal expansion. The assembly tool <NUM> may maintain its components <NUM>-<NUM> in the second position of <FIG> until, for example, the first sidewall <NUM> and its outer rim <NUM> contracts onto the second sidewall <NUM> and its outer portion <NUM> enough to secure these sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> together. With this arrangement, the seal element <NUM> and the other components (e.g., the spring element, etc.) are captured between the first sidewall <NUM> and the second sidewall <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the assembly seal device <NUM> is removed from the assembly tool <NUM>. The hydraulic fluid, for example, may be directed out of (e.g., evacuated from) the chamber <NUM> to place the bottom tool die <NUM> and the top tool die <NUM> in their first (e.g., open) position. The actuator <NUM> may then be disassembled to remove the seal device <NUM>.

The seal device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may be included in various gas turbine engines. The seal device <NUM>, for example, may be included in a geared gas turbine engine where a gear train connects one or more shafts to one or more rotors in a fan section, a compressor section and/or any other engine section. Alternatively, the seal device <NUM> may be included in a direct drive gas turbine engine configured without a gear train. The seal device <NUM> may be included in a gas turbine engine configured with a single spool, with two spools, or with more than two spools. The gas turbine engine may be configured as a turbofan engine, a turbojet engine, a turboprop engine, a turboshaft engine, a propfan engine, a pusher fan engine or any other type of gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may alternatively be configured as an auxiliary power unit (APU) or an industrial gas turbine engine. The present disclosure therefore is not limited to any particular types or configurations of gas turbine engines.

Claim 1:
A tool for assembling a seal device (<NUM>) of a gas turbine engine, the tool comprising:
a first tool die (<NUM>) including a first die base (<NUM>), a first die curb (<NUM>) and a first die bumper (<NUM>), the first die curb projecting axially out from the first die base along an axis (<NUM>), the first die curb extending circumferentially about the axis, the first die bumper spaced radially outward from the first die curb by a first die channel (<NUM>), the first die bumper projecting axially out from the first die base along the axis, and the first die bumper extending circumferentially about the axis;
a second tool die (<NUM>) including a second die base (<NUM>), a second die curb (<NUM>) and a second die bumper (<NUM>), the second die curb projecting axially out from the second die base along the axis, the second die curb extending circumferentially about the axis, the second die bumper spaced radially outward from the second die curb by a second die channel (<NUM>), the second die bumper projecting axially out from the second die base along the axis, and the second die bumper extending circumferentially about the axis;
a centering element (<NUM>) extending axially along and circumferentially about the axis;
a receptacle (<NUM>) configured to receive a seal device (<NUM>), the receptacle extending axially along the axis within the tool between the first tool die and the second tool die, and the receptacle projecting radially inward into the tool to the centering element; and
an actuator (<NUM>) configured to axially press the seal device (<NUM>) between the first tool die and the second tool die;
wherein the centering element comprises an outer cylindrical surface (<NUM>) configured to radially contact a carbon seal element (<NUM>) of the seal device within the receptacle.