Profiled Bellcrank Vane Actuation Spatial Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable vane systems in gas turbine engines rely on mechanical linkages that are inefficient in terms of spatial usage and require complex mechanisms, limiting their ability to adjust vanes effectively for different operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable vane assembly that incorporates a profiled bellcrank with a cam surface, driven by an actuator, which pivots to linearly move followers, rotating rings, and ultimately adjusts the variable vanes, optimizing spatial efficiency and allowing for customizable vane schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical linkages with bellcranks are used to pivot variable vanes, then the vanes can be adjusted to different angles, but the system requires complex mechanisms and poor spatial efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional complex mechanical linkage system with an electrohydraulic actuator that directly positions the variable vanes. This substitution eliminates the need for bellcranks, connecting rods, and other mechanical transmission components, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining full adaptability for vane angle adjustment across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the intermediate mechanical transmission elements (bellcranks, connecting links) from the system. By directly coupling the actuator to the vane positioning mechanism, it takes out the unnecessary complex mechanisms while preserving the essential function of vane angle adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical linkages are used for variable vane actuation, then the vanes can be pivoted for different operating conditions, but the system occupies excessive space and has poor clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The electrohydraulic actuator replaces the space-consuming mechanical linkage system. The actuator's compact cylindrical housing and direct-acting piston mechanism occupy significantly less volume compared to the extended bellcrank mechanisms and connecting rods, thereby improving spatial efficiency while maintaining full adaptability for various operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple mechanical components (bellcrank, connecting links, pivot mechanisms) into a single integrated electrohydraulic actuator. This consolidation combines the actuation, transmission, and positioning functions into one compact unit, reducing overall spatial occupancy while preserving operating condition adaptability
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 enhances the ability to adjust vanes efficiently, providing improved spatial savings and clearance compared to traditional systems, while allowing for customizable vane positioning to meet specific performance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A component receives direct input from the connection linkage, which provides a cam surface. A driving linkage is interfaced with the cam surface. Pivoting of the component and cam surface causes the driving linkage to pivot the vane.
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable vane assembly (60) includes an actuator (66) and a connection linkage (86) pivotable by the actuator (66). A component (84) receives direct input from the connection linkage (86) providing a cam surface (120). A driving linkage (68) is interfaced with the cam surface (120). A variable vane (62) is coupled to the driving linkage (68). The pivoting of the component (84) and cam surface (120) causes the driving linkage (68) to pivot the vane (62).