Compressor Nozzle Vane Actuation with Recessed Unison Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor nozzle devices face challenges in maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and preventing dust accumulation, which can lead to sticking of moving parts, due to exposure to airflow and lack of effective sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates adjustable vanes interposed between two wall members with a unison ring for actuation, featuring guiding and assembly slots that prevent airflow through these slots, and a liquid sealant for secure attachment to the volute, ensuring minimal exposure of moving parts to airflow and enhancing aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the unison ring and other moving parts are exposed to airflow, then the aerodynamic efficiency can be maintained, but dust accumulation occurs causing sticking of moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the moving parts (unison ring, actuating portions) from the direct airflow path by positioning them in a recessed area behind the wall member. The airflow passes through the nozzle vanes but does not reach the moving parts, preventing dust accumulation while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency through proper flow channel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the wall member with recessed positioning) that separates the airflow path from the moving parts. This intermediary structure allows the airflow to perform its aerodynamic function while preventing direct exposure of moving parts to dust-laden flow.
2Ease of manufacture
If guiding slots and assembly slots are provided in the wall member, then the vanes can be guided and assembled, but airflow can pass through these slots reducing aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the airflow path from the slot areas by positioning the slots in regions not exposed to direct airflow. The guiding slots and assembly slots are located in the wall member structure where they perform their mechanical function without creating aerodynamic losses, as the airflow is directed through separate channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing slots only in specific locations where they are needed for assembly and guidance, while ensuring these locations are not in the direct airflow path. Different regions of the wall member have different properties: some areas have slots for manufacturing purposes, while other areas maintain smooth surfaces for aerodynamic efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the nozzle device is constructed as a separate sub assembly (vane cartridge), then manufacturing is simplified, but additional assembly steps and sealing requirements are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the nozzle device into a separate vane cartridge sub-assembly that can be manufactured and tested independently before final installation. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing parallel production of different components and enables aerodynamic testing of the nozzle portion without assembling the entire compressor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sealing elements as intermediary components that facilitate the connection between the modular vane cartridge and the main compressor housing. These sealing mediators enable easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining the required seal, reducing the complexity of creating permanent bonds between components.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor nozzle device comprises a set of adjustable vanes which is interposed between two opposite wall members (3, 5), and a unison ring (7) for actuating said vanes (1). The unison ring (7) is arranged at a side of one of said wall members (3) opposite to the other side thereof facing the vanes (1).