Flanged Bushing Wear Surface Limits Radial Vane Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turbomachines, biasing variable vanes toward the rotational axis can disrupt flow and negatively affect engine performance, and may cause wear to the turbomachine case, as existing designs do not effectively manage radially inward movement of these vanes.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine bushing with a wear surface that interfaces directly with the variable vane assembly to limit radially inward movement, featuring a nickel material that contacts the vane arm when the vane is biased toward the axis, preventing damage to the case structure and maintaining flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable vanes are biased toward the rotational axis, then the variable vane structures are protected from exposure, but flow is disrupted and engine performance is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
A bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the variable vane assembly and the case structure. The bushing includes a wear surface that contacts the variable vane assembly during radially inward movement, preventing direct contact with the case structure. This mediator allows the vane assembly to move toward the rotational axis for protection while maintaining proper flow paths and preventing performance degradation
2Reliability
If variable vanes are biased toward the rotational axis, then structure exposure is prevented, but wear to the turbomachine case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs wear during radially inward movement of the variable vane assembly. The wear surface of the bushing contacts the vane assembly, preventing direct contact between the vane assembly and the case structure, thereby extending the case structure's service life while allowing the vane assembly to move for structural protection
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is designed as a sacrificial component that can be replaced more easily and at lower cost than the case structure. By concentrating wear on the bushing's wear surface rather than the case structure, the system allows for economical maintenance while protecting the critical case structure from wear damage
3Productivity
If variable vanes are biased away from the rotational axis, then flow efficiency is maintained, but variable vane structures are exposed and may disrupt flow
Solution Approach 1:
The variable vane assembly is designed to dynamically adjust its radial position based on operating conditions. The assembly can move radially inward toward the rotational axis when needed for structural protection, with the bushing providing the necessary mechanical constraint. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to optimize between flow efficiency and structural protection depending on operational requirements
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 bushing effectively limits wear and maintains flow efficiency by preventing damaging contact between the variable vanes and the case structure, ensuring reliable operation and performance of the turbomachine.
Implementation Method 1
a bushing having a wear surface configured to interface directly with a variable vane assembly to limit radially inward movement of the variable vane assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An example turbomachine bushing a bushing having a wear surface configured to interface directly with a variable vane assembly to limit radially inward movement of the variable vane assembly, wherein the variable vane assembly is moveable axially between a first position contacting the wear surface and a second position spaced from the wear surface.