Segmented Turbine Vane Guide Device Radial Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of turbomachine compressor stages with monobloc casings is complicated due to interactions between rotor and stator components, and the reduced radial space limits the size of the device for guiding stator vanes with variable pitch angles, making it difficult to insert vanes without damage.

Innovation Solution

A device for guiding stator vanes with variable pitch angles is designed for radial assembly, using sectorized internal and reconstitution rings with U-shaped cross sections and locking elements, allowing assembly without interacting with the rotor during stator stage mounting, and maintaining a compact radial size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a monobloc casing is used to reduce mass and increase performance, then the overall performance and mass are improved, but the assembly complexity increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor housing massVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components: a control ring, multiple independent guide blocks, and sectorized inner ring with bushings. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled independently in radial directions, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the monobloc casing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the assembly direction from axial to radial. By assembling components in radial directions from the inside out, the patent avoids interactions with the rotor stage and simplifies the assembly process, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining the monobloc casing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the rotor stage is assembled before the stator stage in a monobloc casing, then the assembly sequence is established, but the downstream rotor stage cannot be moved downstream due to the casing's slope

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly sequence efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent positioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the assembly direction from axial to radial. By assembling the stator stage components in radial directions, the patent eliminates the interference problem with the downstream rotor stage that occurs with axial assembly in monobloc casings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The control ring and guide blocks are prepared and positioned in advance, allowing the stator stage to be assembled independently before final integration. This preliminary preparation enables the assembly process to proceed without interfering with the rotor stage positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the inner ring is moved towards the downstream rotor disc to insert rectifier blades, then the insertion space is created, but the maneuver does not always allow insertion without damaging the blades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade insertion easeVSAvoidblade damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the assembly direction from axial to radial. By inserting guide blocks and bushings in radial directions, the patent eliminates the need to move the inner ring towards the rotor disc, thereby eliminating the risk of blade damage associated with this maneuver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces guide blocks as intermediary components that facilitate the insertion of rectifier blades. These guide blocks provide a controlled pathway for blade insertion, eliminating the need for risky maneuvers and ensuring damage-free installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Volume of moving object

If the shell line is positioned close to the flow path to reduce space, then the radial dimensions are reduced, but the radial space for the stator blade guide device is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor radial spaceVSAvoidguide device radial size
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is segmented into thin, distributed components (guide blocks and bushings) that occupy minimal radial space. This segmentation allows the device to function effectively within the limited radial dimensions while maintaining the shell line close to the flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from axial to radial assembly, allowing the guide device to be compact in the radial direction while maintaining adequate functional dimensions. This dimensional change enables the device to fit within the constrained radial space without compromising its guiding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3074609B1Device for guiding synchronizing ring vanes with variable pitch angle of a turbine engine and method for assembling such a device
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS
  • EP3074609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3074609B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3074609B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for guiding synchronizing ring vanes with variable pitch angle of a turbine engine, including a plurality of angular inner ring sectors placed end-to-end to form an inner ring (26), each inner ring sector including shafts (24) passing radially from one side of the inner ring sector to the other, a plurality of cylindrical bushes (22) which are each mounted in a shaft of the inner ring from the inside and which are each intended for receiving a guiding pivot (12) of a synchronizing ring vane (4), a plurality of angular reconstitution ring sectors which are placed end-to-end to form a reconstitution ring (36) and which are mounted radially from the inside on the inner ring, and a plurality of locking elements passing axially through the inner and reconstitution rings such as to assemble said rings together. The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a device.