Integrally Formed Double Outlet Guide Vane for Gas Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines require improved structural components for quick engine change assemblies that can efficiently manage load paths while allowing for rapid propulsor removal and maintenance, with existing designs often compromising on weight and aeromechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a double outlet guide vane assembly with integrally formed first and second guide vanes and end structures, along with structural platforms, which provides a continuous outer and inner surface and a primary load path, allowing for lightweight construction and enhanced load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate guide vane designs are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural strength and load distribution are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple guide vanes and end structures into a single integrally formed double vane assembly. This merging of previously separate components creates a unified structure that maintains ease of manufacture through monolithic construction while significantly improving structural strength and load distribution capabilities.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used, then weight is improved, but aeromechanical stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the integrally formed double vane assembly, combining materials with different properties to achieve both lightweight construction and high aeromechanical stability. The composite structure provides the necessary strength and stiffness while reducing overall weight compared to traditional solid metal constructions.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive bonds are used to join components, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability is worsened due to composite-to-metal transitions
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single integrally formed structure, the patent eliminates the need for adhesive bonds and composite-to-metal transitions. The monolithic construction provides reliable load paths throughout the entire assembly without relying on bonding interfaces that could fail under thermal or mechanical stress.
4Strength
If complex structural platforms are added, then load distribution is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates structural platforms directly into the body of the double vane assembly through integral forming. This merging of structural functions into a single monolithic component provides effective load distribution while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate structural elements. The streamlined design reduces overall device complexity despite maintaining robust load-bearing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The assembly has a first guide vane having a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and a second guide vane having a first end, a second end opposed to its first end. A first end structure spans between the first guide vane first end and the second guide vane first end. A second end structure spans between the first guide vane second end and the second guide vane second end. The first guide vane, the second guide vane, the first end structure, and the second end structure are integrally formed together to form a double vane with a continuous outer surface, and a continuous inner surface.