Biased Nozzle Vane Assembly for Stable Turbocharger Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Irregular external forces and vibrations affect the reliability of turbochargers with variable geometry mechanisms, leading to unintended movements of nozzle vane units and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A biasing member, such as a disc spring or heat shield plate, applies a biasing force in the axial or radial direction to nozzle vane units, preventing unintended movements like whirling by ensuring precise contact and eliminating gaps between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a variable geometry mechanism is used to control exhaust gas flow rate, then the turbine performance can be optimized, but the reliability is reduced due to unintended movements of nozzle vane units caused by irregular external forces and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust gas flow rate controlVSAvoidnozzle vane unit stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A biasing member is pre-installed to apply a biasing force to the nozzle vane units in advance, ensuring they maintain proper contact with the nozzle ring before external forces or vibrations act on them. This preliminary positioning action prevents unintended movements during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing force parameter is introduced to counteract the effects of irregular external forces and vibrations. By adjusting the magnitude and direction of this biasing force, the system maintains stable nozzle vane unit positions while preserving the variable geometry functionality for exhaust gas flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If nozzle vane units are made movable to adjust flow path cross-sectional area, then the flow control capability is improved, but the susceptibility to vibrations and shock increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path adjustment capabilityVSAvoidvibrations and shock

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the nozzle vane units and the harmful vibrations/shock. It absorbs and dampens these disturbances, allowing the nozzle vane units to maintain their adjustable flow control capability while being protected from direct impact of vibrations and shock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying a stabilizing force that compensates for vibrations and shock before they can cause unintended movements of the nozzle vane units. This cushioning effect preserves both the adaptability and reliability of the variable geometry mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the reliability of the variable geometry mechanism by maintaining desired performance and improving the efficiency of exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel, reducing turbulence and enhancing energy recovery.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member being in contact with the nozzle vane units, and applying a biasing force in an axial direction of the nozzle shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12467382B2Turbine with biased nozzle vane members

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 IHI CORP

AI summary

A turbine includes a turbine wheel, a housing having a flow path for a gas, a variable geometry device to guide the gas from the flow path to the turbine wheel, and a biasing member. The variable geometry device includes one or more nozzle vane member, each having a nozzle vane, a nozzle shaft and a nozzle link plate. The biasing member is in contact with the nozzle link plate of the nozzle vane member.