Pivoting Support Sleeve Assembly for Removable Variable Pitch Vanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dismantling variable pitch vanes in turbine engines is difficult due to their connection with a rotating hub, requiring the entire module to be removed for maintenance, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A turbine engine assembly with a ring and support sleeves that allow each variable pitch vane to be removed individually by pivoting on a transverse axis, eliminating the need to dismantle the entire hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the variable pitch vane is retained in a rotating hub by means of a pivot connection with bearings attached to the ring, then the vane is securely positioned, but the entire module including the ring and vanes must be removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve is divided into a first part attached to the ring and a second part forming the housing, connected by a detachment element. This segmentation allows the second part to be detached for individual vane maintenance while the first part remains on the ring, resolving the contradiction between secure positioning and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachment element (screw or bayonet connection) allows the second part of the support sleeve to be extracted from the first part, enabling individual vane removal without removing the entire module from the ring. This extraction mechanism maintains operational reliability while enabling easy repair.
2Manufacturing precision
If the outer rings of the bearings are attached to the ring, then the stud is properly positioned, but the entire assembly must be dismantled for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve is segmented into two parts that can be detached, allowing the stud and vane to be accessed and removed individually without dismantling the entire assembly. The first part remains attached to the ring maintaining precision, while the second part can be removed for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachment element enables extraction of the second part of the support sleeve containing the stud, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service individual vanes without time-consuming complete assembly dismantling.
3Strength
If the variable pitch vanes are surrounded by an external casing, then the engine structure is protected, but dismantling becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve segmentation into detachable parts allows maintenance personnel to access vanes within the external casing by removing only the necessary components rather than dismantling the entire protected assembly, maintaining structural integrity while enabling repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable second part of the support sleeve can be extracted through the external casing, allowing individual vane maintenance without compromising the protective casing structure or requiring complete assembly removal.
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
Facilitates the assembly and dismantling of variable pitch vanes, reducing maintenance time and costs, and minimizing environmental impact by avoiding assembly destruction.
Implementation Method 1
each support sleeve being mounted so as to pivot on the ring about a pivot axis transverse to the radial axis and to the axis of revolution
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a turbine engine includes a ring with a rotationally symmetrical axis. The assembly further includes a plurality of support sleeves, each having a rotationally symmetrical axis and configured to receive a stud of a variable pitch blade. Each support sleeve includes a bore passing right through the support sleeve along the rotationally symmetrical axis. Each support sleeve is mounted on the ring so as to pivot about a pivot axis transverse to the radial axis and to the rotationally symmetrical axis.