Fluid-Actuated Rotary Motor for Gas Turbine Vane Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas turbine engines with variable vanes face inaccuracies in vane positioning due to the need for multiple moving parts to convert linear motion to rotary motion, affecting engine stability and fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A variable vane actuator assembly featuring a fluid-actuated rotary motor with a spline engagement system directly connected to the crank shaft, minimizing mechanical connections and backlash, and utilizing a rotary position sensor for precise angular control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If linear actuators are used to rotate the crank shaft, then the crank shaft can be rotated, but multiple additional moving parts are required which contribute to vane position error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrank shaft rotationVSAvoidvane position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate conversion mechanism (linear to rotary motion conversion parts) from the actuation system. By using a fluid actuated rotary motor that directly rotates the crank shaft, the multiple moving parts required in traditional linear actuator systems are removed, thereby reducing cumulative positioning errors while maintaining the ability to rotate the crank shaft effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linear actuator system with a fluid actuated rotary motor system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical conversion components (such as racks, pinions, or bellcranks) by directly applying rotational motion through fluid pressure to the crank shaft, thereby reducing the number of moving parts and improving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving parts are used to convert linear motion to rotary motion, then motion conversion is achieved, but vane position error increases affecting engine stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion conversion capabilityVSAvoidengine stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate motion conversion components from the actuation chain. By using a fluid actuated rotary motor that directly produces rotary motion to drive the crank shaft, the system eliminates multiple moving parts that would otherwise convert linear motion to rotary motion, thereby reducing cumulative errors and improving engine stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fluid pressure intermediary (hydraulic or pneumatic system) to replace the mechanical intermediary components. Instead of using multiple mechanical parts to convert motion types, a fluid pressure system directly actuates the rotary motor, serving as a cleaner intermediary that reduces mechanical complexity and positioning errors while maintaining motion conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving parts are used in the actuation system, then motion conversion is possible, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion conversion capabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the energy-wasting intermediate conversion components from the actuation system. By using a fluid actuated rotary motor that directly rotates the crank shaft, the system removes multiple moving parts that would otherwise require energy to overcome friction and mechanical inefficiencies, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining motion conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the inefficient mechanical linear actuator system with a fluid actuated rotary motor system. This substitution eliminates energy losses associated with mechanical conversion components (such as rack and pinion friction, bearing losses in intermediate shafts), thereby improving overall system efficiency and reducing fuel consumption while maintaining the ability to convert actuation input into crank shaft rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accuracy of vane positioning, reducing vane position errors and improving engine stability and fuel efficiency by directly rotating the crank shaft with a fluid-actuated rotary motor and spline engagement, thereby optimizing airflow through the engine.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid actuated rotary motor is located at an end of the crank shaft for selectively rotating the crank shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10774672B2Rotary actuator for variable vane adjustment system

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 RTX CORP

AI summary

A variable vane actuator assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a plurality of vanes. A synchronization rings surrounds and is mechanically linked to drive the vanes to pivot for varying an angle of the vanes. A crank shaft is mechanically linked to the synchronization ring for rotating the synchronization ring. A fluid actuated rotary motor is located at an end of the crank shaft for selectively rotating the crank shaft.