Variable Stator Vane Heating Element Connection Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing variable-pitch stator blades in turbomachines face mechanical stress and deformation due to power cables interacting with the pitch change system, leading to reduced durability and reliability, as well as complex and challenging electrical assembly in constrained spaces.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a connection box within the pivot of the variable-pitch stator blade, which houses both the heating element and the power harness, reduces mechanical stress and simplifies assembly by minimizing interactions with the pitch change system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power cables are extended outside the blade to connect heating elements to electrical connection devices, then the heating elements can be supplied with power, but the cables interact with the pitch change system causing mechanical stress and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of heating elementsVSAvoidmechanical strength of power cables

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection device with the pivot assembly by integrating the connection box into the pivot structure. The power cables are routed through the pivot's internal bore and sealed with a gasket, eliminating external cable exposure. This integration removes the harmful interaction between power cables and the pitch change system, preventing mechanical stress and deformation while maintaining electrical connectivity for heating elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If spacers are used to avoid interactions between power cables and pitch change system, then mechanical stress is reduced, but the available space in the constrained area is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength of power cablesVSAvoidavailable space in constrained area

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding spacers that occupy space, the patent merges the electrical connection device into the pivot assembly. The connection box is integrated within the pivot structure, and power cables are routed through the pivot's internal bore. This eliminates the need for spacers entirely, maintaining both cable protection and optimal space utilization in the constrained area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If electrical connection device is located outside the stator blade, then assembly is simpler, but mechanical stress and deformation of power cables are inevitable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of electrical assemblyVSAvoiddurability of heating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection device with the pivot assembly, locating it within the stator blade structure rather than outside. The connection box is integrated into the pivot, and power cables are routed through the pivot's internal bore with sealing. This integration protects cables from mechanical stress and deformation while maintaining assembly simplicity, thereby improving both durability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Temperature

If power cables are exposed to open air for heat dissipation, then cooling is improved, but the electrical power capacity and power density are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling of power cablesVSAvoidelectrical power capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power cable routing within the pivot assembly, utilizing the pivot's internal bore for cable passage. The pivot structure provides thermal management for the power cables, eliminating the need for open air exposure. This integrated approach maintains adequate cooling while enabling higher electrical power capacity and power density, as the cables are protected and can operate at higher loads without excessive heat loss to the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 lifespan and reliability of the heating elements and electrical connections, reduces heat loss, and simplifies the assembly process while minimizing mechanical stress on the power cables.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element comprising a first portion mounted within the blade and a second portion connected to an electrical power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4556686A1Turbomachine assembly comprising a variable stator vane equipped with a heating element and a connection housing

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a turbomachine assembly with a longitudinal axis (X) for an aircraft, comprising: - a variable-pitch stator vane (2) comprising a blade (4) and a pivot (5) extending radially from the blade (4), - a pitch-changing system (3) for changing the pitch of the stator vane, and - a heating element (26) comprising a first portion (26a) mounted within the blade (4) and a second portion (26b) connected to an electrical power source (30) of an electrical connection device (29). According to the invention, the electrical connection device (29) comprises a connection box (31) connecting the second portion to a power harness (32a, 32b) which is coupled to the electrical power source and the pivot comprises a main bore (33) in which the connection box (31) rotationally fixed to the pivot and the second portion (26b) are housed.