Variable Geometry Turbocharger Nozzle Ring Spring Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbochargers with variable geometry systems face challenges in managing bending stress and deformation, particularly at high temperatures, which can lead to reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

The turbocharger design incorporates a spring member held by the variable geometry mechanism and the bearing housing, which applies a pressing force to the mechanism, thereby reducing bending stress and managing deformation. Additionally, the design includes a gap between the outer diameter of the nozzle ring and the inner diameter of the turbine housing to accommodate linear expansion, and an auxiliary spring member to distribute force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a variable geometry mechanism is used to guide fluid to the turbine wheel, then the turbocharger can adapt to different operating conditions, but bending stress and deformation occur in the mechanism particularly at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different operating conditionsVSAvoidresistance to bending stress and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a spring member that dynamically adjusts the position of the variable geometry mechanism based on operating conditions. The spring member allows the mechanism to move axially in response to pressure changes and thermal expansion, thereby adapting to different operating conditions while maintaining structural integrity and reducing bending stress through controlled movement rather than rigid constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the variable geometry mechanism is rigidly constrained to prevent deformation, then structural stability is improved, but the mechanism cannot accommodate thermal expansion and linear growth at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidability to accommodate thermal expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing rigid constraints with a dynamic spring-based support system. The spring member allows the variable geometry mechanism to move axially in response to thermal expansion and pressure changes, providing both structural stability through controlled support and adaptability through permissible movement. This dynamic approach enables the mechanism to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the spring member presses the variable geometry mechanism strongly, then bending stress is reduced, but the mechanism may be over-constrained and interfere with normal rotary motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of bending stressVSAvoidnormal rotary motion of nozzle vanes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the spring member to press only on specific localized areas of the variable geometry mechanism (such as the outer circumferential portion or nozzle ring) rather than applying force uniformly across the entire mechanism. This localized pressing reduces bending stress in critical areas while permitting other parts of the mechanism to move freely for normal rotary operation of the nozzle vanes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration effectively suppresses the generation of bending stress and deformation in the variable geometry mechanism, enhancing the reliability of the turbocharger by maintaining normal rotary motion of the nozzle vanes and allowing for linear expansion without interference.

Implementation Method 1

a spring member held by the variable geometry mechanism and the bearing housing in an axial direction along the rotating shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the design includes a gap between the outer diameter of the nozzle ring and the inner diameter of the turbine housing to accommodate linear expansion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12203378B2Turbocharger with variable geometric fluid guide mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 IHI CORP

AI summary

A turbocharger includes a turbine housing accommodating a turbine wheel, a bearing housing rotatably supporting a rotating shaft to which the turbine wheel is fixed, a variable geometry mechanism accommodated in the turbine housing, surrounding the turbine wheel, and configured to guide a fluid to the turbine wheel, and a spring member held by the variable geometry mechanism and the bearing housing in an axial direction along the rotating shaft. The variable geometry mechanism has an inner circumferential portion surrounding a through hole in which the turbine wheel or the rotating shaft is disposed, and an outer circumferential portion located between the spring member and the turbine housing. The outer circumferential portion is distanced further away from a rotational axis of the rotating shaft than the inner circumferential portion. The outer circumferential portion includes a first end face contacting the spring member, and a second end face contacting the turbine housing.