Variable Pitch Vane Shroud Interface for Faster Turbomachine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbomachine maintenance processes are lengthy and complex due to the need to disconnect and reconfigure the pitch change system, particularly the control means and oil transfer device, which are integrated with the drive shaft and stationary frame, requiring disassembly of parts like the inlet casing.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine module with an annular interface shroud that allows for easy removal and reassembly of the pitch change system components, maintaining kinematic adjustments, by attaching to the connection mechanism and bell-shaped annular part, facilitating visual inspection and reducing maintenance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control means and oil transfer device are integrated with the drive shaft and stationary frame, then the system structure is compact and reliable, but the maintenance time increases significantly and the complexity of disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch change system is divided into separable modules: the control means (52) can be detached from the connection mechanism (51) via the annular shroud (80), allowing maintenance of individual components without disassembling the entire integrated system. This segmentation enables rapid removal of the control means while preserving the reliability of the remaining integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular shroud (80) acts as an intermediary component that couples the control means (52) to the connection mechanism (51). This intermediate interface allows for easy detachment and reattachment, solving the contradiction by providing both integrated operation during use and separable maintenance access when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the control means is integrated with the drive shaft and stationary frame, then the system structure is stable, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to complex disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into repairable modules where the control means (52) can be independently accessed and repaired. The annular shroud (80) provides a detachment interface that allows mechanics to remove and service the control means without disturbing the stable integration of other system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means (52) can be extracted from the integrated system through the annular shroud (80) interface. This extraction capability maintains structural stability during operation while enabling straightforward repair operations by removing only the specific component that requires servicing.
3Ease of operation
If the annular shroud is added to enable easy removal of the pitch change system, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular shroud (80) serves as a simple intermediary component that provides the detachment interface. Rather than complicating the entire system, this single intermediate element enables easy removal and reattachment operations while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular shroud (80) performs multiple functions: it structurally couples the control means to the connection mechanism during operation, provides a detachment interface for maintenance, and maintains alignment during assembly. This multi-functionality justifies its addition by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine module includesa fan driven in rotation by a fan shaft and having a plurality of variable pitch vanes. The module further includesa pitch change system with a control means connected to the vanes via a connection mechanism, wherein the control means comprising a stationary body integral with the fan shaft and a movable body connected to the connection mechanism. The pitch change system comprising includes an annular part which has a segment integral with the movable body, which is bell-shaped and which extends at least partly radially outwardly from the stationary body.An annular shroud is releasably attached to the annular part and comprising has means for attaching the connection mechanism.