Integrated Fairing and Straightening Vane for Turbomachine Flow Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Double flow turbomachines with reduction gears experience head losses in the primary flow path due to the different architecture and positioning of the intermediate casing, which impairs engine performance.

Innovation Solution

The integration of connecting surfaces between fairings and straightening vanes within the primary flow path, positioned longitudinally at the reduction gear, allows for aerodynamic combination while maintaining each part's function, reducing stagnation points and optimizing aerodynamic profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the intermediate casing is positioned between the stator and low-pressure compressor to support the reduction gear, then structural support for the reduction gear is achieved, but head losses in the primary flow path increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidhead losses

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural arm and straightening vane into a single integrated component. The structural arm includes both a support portion for carrying the reduction gear and an aerodynamic portion that functions as a straightening vane, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing flow disturbances caused by multiple separate parts in the primary flow path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The structural arm is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the reduction gear while its aerodynamic portion acts as a straightening vane to condition the airflow. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components and minimizes aerodynamic perturbations in the primary flow path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate fairings and straightening vanes are used in the primary flow path, then structural support and flow straightening functions are provided, but aerodynamic perturbations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic perturbations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fairing and straightening vane into a single integrated structural arm with continuous surfaces. The aerodynamic portion forms a seamless transition from the support portion, eliminating gaps, joints, and discontinuities that would cause flow separation and aerodynamic perturbations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The structural arm is designed with different local properties: the support portion has structural characteristics for carrying the reduction gear, while the aerodynamic portion has streamlined characteristics for optimal flow conditioning. Each portion is optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution reduces head losses in the primary flow path, enhancing engine performance by minimizing aerodynamic perturbations and maintaining structural support for the reduction gear.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow optimization:

Data Source

PatentUS10844736B2Straightener vane and structural arm connected in a primary flow path

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

An assembly for a primary flow path of a double flow turbomachine extending along a longitudinal axis including a reduction gear, configured to drive a fan in rotation, a stator including a plurality of vanes for straightening the primary flow path, and an intermediate casing, positioned downstream of the stator, including structural arms with fairings passing through the primary flow path, wherein a fairing and one straightening vane are connected together within the primary flow path by a connecting surface, the fairing and the vane being positioned longitudinally substantially at the reduction gear.