Turbine Diffuser Vane Drive Mechanism With Variable Gear Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive mechanisms for turbomachine guide vane orientation adjustment are either too large and complex, leading to reduced precision due to numerous components and clearance issues, or overly simplistic and difficult to set up, with limited adaptability across turbomachine sizes.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive mechanism utilizing a single drive wheel and a gearset with a first toothed wheel directly coupled to the drive wheel and a secondary toothed wheel, allowing for variable transmission ratios through a coupling mechanism with a groove and pin, reducing the number of components and enhancing precision by allowing differential displacement velocities between adjustment devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control shaft is used to drive vanes of two guide vane assembly stages, then the number of components is reduced, but the dimensions of the system become particularly large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive system into multiple independent control boxes (first control box and second control box), each driving a separate guide vane assembly stage. This segmentation allows each control box to be compact while collectively driving both stages, resolving the contradiction between component reduction and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical drive structure where a first control box drives a first gear assembly that in turn drives the second control box. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows compact packaging of the drive system by utilizing spatial relationships across different levels rather than a single linear shaft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control boxes are used for each stage, then the system can be adapted to all turbomachine sizes, but the number of components increases reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control boxes and gear assemblies as universal components that can be adapted to different turbomachine sizes through parameter adjustment rather than complete redesign. The first control box can drive both the first guide vane assembly directly and the second guide vane assembly through the second control box, providing multi-functionality that maintains precision while ensuring adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second control box as an intermediary between the first control box and the second guide vane assembly. This intermediary reduces the number of direct connection points and clearance interfaces, thereby maintaining precision while still using separate control boxes for each stage to ensure adaptability.
3Volume of moving object
If a toothed wheel with two gear stages is used, then the mechanism size is limited, but positioning of components relative to each other becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gear train into a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly, each with their own control box. This segmentation simplifies the positioning requirements compared to a single complex toothed wheel with two stages, as each gear assembly can be independently positioned and adjusted, making setup easier while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features in the design of the control boxes and gear assemblies, such as pre-configured mounting interfaces and alignment features. This preliminary action during manufacturing ensures that component positioning is simplified during assembly, resolving the contradiction between compact size and ease of setup.
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 provides a reliable, easy-to-implement, and compact drive mechanism that maintains precision while reducing the mass of the drive system, enabling simultaneous and precise adjustment of vane orientations across multiple stages with adaptable transmission ratios.
Implementation Method 1
a gearset that is arranged between the drive wheel and the two adjustment devices, characterised in that the gearset comprises a first toothed wheel that is directly coupled with the drive wheel and with the first adjustment device and that is coupled with the second adjustment device through a secondary toothed wheel
Implementation Method 2
one of the two wheels comprises a groove and the other wheel comprises a pin that projects in the axial direction from the principal axis of said other wheel, the pin fitting into the groove and being capable of cooperating with the groove to transmit a torque from the first toothed wheel to the secondary toothed wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for driving a first member for adjusting the orientation of the blades of a first stage of a turbine engine diffuser and a second member for adjusting the orientation of the blades of a second stage of the turbine engine diffuser, including a single drive wheel which simultaneously drives the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member and a set of gears which is arranged between the drive wheel and the two adjustment members, wherein the set of gears includes a first gearwheel which is directly coupled with the drive wheel and with the first adjustment member and which is coupled with the second adjustment member with a secondary gearwheel which is directly coupled with the second adjustment member.