Adjustable Crankshaft Lug for Gas Turbine Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guide vane actuator assemblies in gas turbine engines require extensive disassembly and reassembly to adjust the range of movement, which is time-consuming and adds complexity, especially during engine development when adjustments are needed.
Innovation Solution
A crankshaft assembly with an adjustable lug connection that allows for relative rotational positioning without disassembly, utilizing interlocking teeth and an adjustment element with pivot points and arms to separate the teeth, enabling offset adjustments without altering the control rod, and optionally incorporating a worm gear or releasable clamping element for rotation relative to the crankshaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional guide vane actuator assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but extensive disassembly and reassembly is required to adjust the range of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The crankshaft connection is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the relative rotational position between the crankshaft and lug to be dynamically changed. This enables the range of movement to be adjusted without disassembling the actuator assembly, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the crankshaft and lug is segmented into adjustable components with interlocking teeth, allowing independent adjustment of the crankshaft position relative to the lug. This segmentation enables modification of the range of movement without affecting other parts of the actuator assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the range of movement is adjusted by conventional methods, then the adjustment can be made, but extensive disassembly and reassembly adds complexity to the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable crankshaft connection allows the actuator to adapt to different range of movement requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The adjustment mechanism integrates into the existing assembly without requiring additional complex components or procedures.
3Reliability
If the crankshaft and lug are securely connected, then reliable operation is achieved, but the connection prevents adjustment of the relative rotational position
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the crankshaft and lug is designed to be dynamically adjustable - securely locked during normal operation through interlocking teeth, but capable of being released and repositioned when adjustment is required. This resolves the contradiction between reliability during operation and adjustability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is segmented into discrete tooth elements that can be engaged or disengaged. During normal operation, multiple teeth are engaged providing secure connection. During adjustment, the teeth can be separated to allow repositioning, then re-engaged at the new position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a crankshaft assembly for a gas turbine engine guide vane actuator. Example embodiments include a crankshaft assembly (800) for a gas turbine engine guide vane actuator, the crankshaft assembly (800) comprising: a crankshaft (801) mounted for rotation about a central axis (811); a lug (802) mounted to the crankshaft (801) for rotation with the crankshaft (801) about the central axis (811), the lug (802) having a first end (803) with a crankshaft connection (820) securing the lug (802) to the crankshaft (801) and a second opposing end (805) for connecting the lug (802) to a control rod (408) such that rotation of the crankshaft (801) causes actuation of the control rod (408) in a direction orthogonal to the central axis (811), wherein the crankshaft connection (820) is adjustable to allow the first end of the lug (802) to be secured relative to the crankshaft (801) over a range of rotational positions about the central axis (811).