Aerodynamic Vein Modification Patch for Turbomachine Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design and production of aerodynamic veins in turbomachines are complex, expensive, and time-consuming, requiring multiple iterations for optimization, and existing methods for modifying these veins are costly and involve lengthy manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A modification part, or 'patch,' is designed to be attached to the aerodynamic vein, allowing for a quick and inexpensive modification of the vein's profile without the need for new bulky parts or disassembly of the turbomachine, using a first face that matches the initial profile and a second face that defines a new modified profile, which can be made from materials like stereolithographic resin and fixed using adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aerodynamic veins are machined directly on turbomachine parts, then the aerodynamic performance is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic vein modification is divided into two segments: the original vein structure and the separately manufactured modification part. This allows the modification part to be optimized independently for aerodynamic performance while the original structure remains unchanged, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of machining the complete aerodynamic vein directly on the turbomachine part, a modification part is created that copies or replicates the desired aerodynamic profile. This modification part can be manufactured using simpler processes and then attached to the original structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If aerodynamic veins are modified through multiple test iterations, then the optimal design is achieved, but the development time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic optimizationVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modification part is designed to be dynamically replaceable on the turbomachine. This enables rapid iteration of different aerodynamic profiles by simply replacing the modification part rather than redesigning and remanufacturing entire components, significantly reducing development time for optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modification part allows for easy variation of aerodynamic parameters (such as profile shape, angle, curvature) without changing the base turbomachine structure. This facilitates rapid testing of different parameter combinations to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If complete aerodynamic veins are replaced to modify the profile, then the desired profile change is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic profileVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic vein system is segmented into the original vein and a separate modification part. Only the modification part needs to be manufactured with the new profile, while the original vein structure can be reused, significantly reducing manufacturing effort and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modification part is designed to fit onto or integrate with the existing aerodynamic vein structure, similar to a nested doll configuration. This allows the new profile to be achieved by adding a layer rather than replacing the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2877700B1Aerodynamic channel with modifying element and process of modifying such channel
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP2877700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2877700B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2877700B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention mainly relates to a part (1) to modify the profile of an aerodynamic jet (2), comprising: - a first face (1a) intended to be fastened to the aerodynamic jet (2), and -a second face (1b) defining a modified profile of the aerodynamic jet, intended to modify the initial profile of the aerodynamic jet.