Split Synchronization Ring for Gas Turbine Variable Vanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable vane assemblies in gas turbine engines have complex and time-intensive assembly methods, and replacing or repairing a single vane often requires disconnecting all vanes from the synchronization ring, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A split synchronization ring design with detachable axial portions and dovetail-type connections between vane arms and stems allows for individual vane adjustments and easier assembly and repair, enabling the vane arms to be axially moved and adjusted independently by decoupling local arcuate segments of the aft ring portion from the forward ring portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional synchronization ring is used to synchronize vane pitch adjustments, then all vanes can be synchronized, but the assembly method becomes complex and time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization ring is divided into a forward ring portion and an aft ring portion that can be independently assembled and then joined together. This segmentation allows the assembly process to be broken into manageable steps, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining the synchronization function across all vanes
2Reliability
If a conventional synchronization ring is used to synchronize vane pitch adjustments, then all vanes can be synchronized, but the repair time increases as all vanes must be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization ring is segmented into forward and aft portions that can be independently removed. This allows maintenance personnel to access and replace individual vanes by removing only the relevant ring portion, rather than disconnecting all vanes from the entire synchronization ring, significantly reducing repair time
3Strength
If the synchronization ring is made as a single piece, then structural integrity is maintained, but individual vane adjustments require disconnecting all vanes
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization ring is divided into modular forward and aft portions that can be independently assembled and joined with fasteners. This segmentation maintains structural integrity when assembled while enabling selective disassembly for individual vane replacements, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of repair
4Productivity
If a split synchronization ring design is used, then assembly and repair time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization ring is segmented into forward and aft portions that can be independently assembled onto the vane stems before being joined together. This approach actually simplifies the overall assembly process compared to installing a single large ring, as each portion can be separately positioned and secured, improving productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The forward and aft ring portions are designed to join together using fasteners that secure them in a predetermined angular relationship. This merging creates a unified synchronization ring structure that functions as a single component while retaining the assembly advantages of segmentation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A synchronization ring (120) for a variable vane assembly (100) of a gas turbine engine (20) may include a first ring portion (121) and a second ring portion (122). The first ring portion (121) and the second ring portion (122) may be detachably coupled together to jointly define a plurality of cylindrical bores (125) circumferentially distributed around the synchronization ring (120) and extending radially through the synchronization ring (120).