Compressor Inlet Lever Assembly for Compact Ring Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor inlet adjustment mechanisms face challenges with large, space-intensive actuation devices and a high risk of adjustment ring tilting, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to linear actuation designs.
Innovation Solution
A compact actuation device with a rotationally movable adjustment ring and orifice plate elements, featuring a lever assembly with a bearing section, input section, and output section, which are jointly assembled using welding or other methods, allowing for flexible coupling and reduced tilting risk through angled configurations and integrated design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear actuation devices are used for the adjustment mechanism, then the actuation function is achieved, but the device dimensions become large and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces linear actuation with rotational actuation, where the adjustment ring and lever arms rotate around the compressor axis. This dynamic change in actuation mode allows for a more compact device volume while maintaining the adjustment function, as rotational movement requires less space than linear extension mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear actuation to two-dimensional rotational actuation in the radial plane. The lever arms extend radially from the compressor axis, and the adjustment ring rotates around this axis, utilizing angular space instead of linear space to achieve the same adjustment function with reduced device volume.
2Reliability
If linear actuation devices are used for the adjustment mechanism, then the actuation function is achieved, but the adjustment ring has an increased risk of tilting during actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements rotational movement of the adjustment ring around the compressor axis, which maintains the adjustment ring in a stable, horizontal plane throughout actuation. This rotational dynamic prevents tilting by ensuring the adjustment ring always remains perpendicular to the compressor axis, unlike linear actuation where the ring can tilt during extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arms are pre-positioned radially from the compressor axis and are firmly connected to the adjustment ring at fixed radial positions. This preliminary configuration ensures that during rotational actuation, the adjustment ring maintains its orientation and cannot tilt, as the lever arms constrain its movement to pure rotation around the axis.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuation device is made compact through rotational mounting, then space requirements are reduced, but the assembly complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lever arms and their mounting structure into an integrated assembly that rotates as a single unit around the compressor axis. The input lever and output lever are both firmly connected to the adjustment ring at fixed positions, merging multiple components into a cohesive rotational mechanism. This integration reduces assembly complexity compared to separate linear actuation components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuation device for a compressor inlet adjustment mechanism. The actuation device comprises a housing part and a lever assembly. The lever assembly comprises a bearing section, an input section and an output section. The output section is configured to be coupled to an adjustment ring of the adjustment mechanism on a first side of the housing part. The input section can be coupled to an actuator rod on a second side of the housing part. The lever assembly is rotatably mounted in the housing part via the bearing section on the compressor inlet side here.