Gas Turbine Bypass Vane System with Modular Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vane systems for turbine engines, particularly bypass vane systems, face challenges in cost-effectiveness and manufacturing efficiency, with existing solutions having shortcomings that hinder optimal performance and application.
Innovation Solution
A bypass vane system is developed, featuring a plurality of vanes defined by the same dimensions, with a circumferential tip platform and hub platform having openings that vary in position to accommodate the vanes, allowing for precise positioning and secure attachment using composite materials and adhesive straps, enhancing airflow management around struts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vanes are positioned with varying opening positions to improve airflow directionality, then airflow management performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vane assembly is segmented into multiple independent vanes, each with its own opening position in the circumferential platform. This segmentation allows each vane to be positioned independently to optimize airflow directionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
Each opening in the circumferential platform is designed with local variations in position to match the specific airflow requirements at different locations. This local quality approach ensures optimal airflow management at each vane position without requiring complex global redesign
2Strength
If composite materials and adhesive straps are used to secure vanes, then structural integrity is enhanced, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Composite materials are used for both the vanes and the circumferential platform, providing high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent bonding characteristics. The composite material properties enable strong adhesive bonding while maintaining lightweight structure, resolving the contradiction between strength enhancement and manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive straps serve as an intermediary bonding mechanism between the vanes and the circumferential platform. This intermediary approach provides reliable structural attachment while allowing for relatively simple manufacturing processes compared to mechanical fastening or welding methods
3Ease of manufacture
If all vanes are defined by the same dimensions, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but airflow optimization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
All vanes are designed with identical dimensions and geometry, making them universal components that can be manufactured using the same process. Despite this uniformity, the varying opening positions in the circumferential platform allow each vane to perform its specific airflow management function optimally, achieving both cost efficiency and performance
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5A~6
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique vane system. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique method for manufacturing a bypass vane stage. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for turbine engines and vane systems for turbine engines. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.