Ovalizing Synchronization Ring for Turbomachine Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Synchronization devices in turbomachines experience angular deviations due to different thermal expansion coefficients, leading to reduced efficiency and wear, particularly in adjustable guide blades.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization device with bearing devices that allow oval deformation under thermal load, reducing angular errors and play, supported in a play-free manner to compensate for thermal expansion, using rollers or swivel levers to maintain angular accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If play is designed into the synchronization device to compensate for thermal expansion, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but angular deviations occur that reduce turbomachine efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion compensationVSAvoidangular accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization device is designed to dynamically change its shape from a circle to an oval during thermal expansion. The bearing devices allow the synchronization device to deform elastically in the radial direction while maintaining angular positioning, enabling the system to adapt to thermal changes without losing angular accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the synchronization device from a circular shape to an oval shape during thermal expansion. This parameter change allows the device to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining the angular relationships between blades, thereby preserving angular accuracy despite temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the synchronization device is supported in a play-free manner, then angular accuracy is maintained, but thermal expansion cannot be compensated, leading to stress and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular accuracyVSAvoidwear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing devices are designed to allow dynamic deformation of the synchronization device from circular to oval shape during thermal expansion. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain play-free support for angular accuracy while simultaneously accommodating thermal expansion through controlled elastic deformation, preventing stress and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables the synchronization device to change its geometric parameters (from circular to oval shape) in response to thermal expansion. This parameter change allows the device to be supported in a play-free manner for angular accuracy while compensating for thermal expansion, thereby preventing stress and wear without sacrificing either accuracy or reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the synchronization device is designed to deform ovally under thermal load, then thermal expansion is compensated without angular error, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular accuracyVSAvoidbearing device arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing devices act as intermediaries between the synchronization device and the housing. These bearing devices are specifically designed to allow oval deformation while maintaining play-free support. By introducing these intermediate bearing elements, the system achieves thermal expansion compensation without angular error, and the increased complexity is localized to the bearing arrangement rather than the entire synchronization device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces angular errors and wear, enhances efficiency, and extends maintenance intervals by compensating for thermal expansion without introducing play or stress, improving turbomachine performance.

Implementation Method 1

synchronization devices, in particular synchronization devices designed as a synchronization ring, are designed with play to compensate for the typically different expansions during operation of the turbomachine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the bearing devices are situated in such a way that the synchronization device in sections may deform at least essentially ovally, in particular symmetrically ovally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250389196A1Elastically centered synchronization device

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 MTU AERO ENGINES GMBH

AI summary

A device (1) for the blade adjustment of a turbomachine, including a synchronization device (10), in particular a synchronization ring, and oppositely situated bearing devices (5) that are configured to radially support the synchronization device (10), in particular in a play-free manner, so that the synchronization device (10) may thermally deform, and during the deformation assumes an oval shape, in particular a symmetrical oval shape.