Turnbuckle Link-Gage With Independent Length and Orientation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turnbuckles in axial flow turbomachines have limited adjustability in length and orientation, which can result in suboptimal vane angles for compressor efficiency, as adjustments are constrained by thread specifications and bearing orientations, leading to potential misalignment and inadequate tension between structures.
Innovation Solution
A turnbuckle link-gage with an inside rod and outside rods, where the inside rod has tabs with conical threads and conical nuts that allow independent adjustment of length and orientation, enabling limitless resolution in linking structures by positioning and orienting the rods relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional turnbuckles with threaded rods and bearings are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adjustability of length and orientation is limited by thread specifications and bearing orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The turnbuckle is divided into separate functional components: an inside rod with tabs, outside rods with bearings, and conical nuts. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of length (via outside rods sliding in/out) and orientation (via conical nuts rotating tabs), overcoming the limitations of integrated threaded designs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from fixed thread-based adjustment to a dynamic system where outside rods can slide freely within the inside rod's openings, and conical nuts can rotate tabs to any orientation. This dynamic mechanism provides continuous adjustability of both length and orientation without being constrained by discrete thread pitches or bearing orientations.
2Measurement precision
If thread specifications and bearing orientations are used for adjustment, then the manufacturing is standardized, but the resolution of adjustment is limited and may result in misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds an orientational dimension to the adjustment mechanism. While traditional turnbuckles only adjust length via threads, this design uses rotatable tabs with conical threads that can be oriented at any angle, providing independent control of both length and orientation dimensions, thereby achieving precise alignment without being constrained by standard bearing orientations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed length turnbuckles are used after installation, then the structure is stable and maintains optimal vane angles, but any re-adjustment requires disassembly and re-threading
Solution Approach 1:
The conical nuts act as intermediaries that can be easily loosened and tightened to facilitate re-adjustment. When loosened, outside rods can be freely positioned for length adjustment and tabs can be rotated for orientation adjustment. When tightened, the conical nuts lock the configuration in place, providing both ease of re-adjustment and operational stability without requiring full disassembly.
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 allows for precise adjustment of vane angles in axial flow turbomachines, optimizing compressor efficiency by enabling independent adjustments of length and orientation of the turnbuckle link-gage to match the displacement and orientation of structures, thereby improving airflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
conical nuts including threads correlating with the conical threads of the tabs of the inside rod, the conical nuts to threadably couple to the tabs, the conical nuts to constrict the tabs around the outside rods and couple the inside rod and the outside rods
Data Source
AI summary
Turnbuckle linkages are disclosed herein. A turnbuckle linkage includes an inside rod including a first opening on a first longitudinal end and a second opening on a second longitudinal end of the inside rod, the first opening and the second opening extending at least partially through the inside rod, the inside rod including tabs extending from the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the inside rod around the first opening and the second opening, an exterior surface of the tabs including conical threads, outside rods to be positioned within the openings of the inside rod, the tabs of the inside rod at least partially surrounding the outside rods, the outside rods including end bearings to couple to a first structure and a second structure, and conical nuts to constrict the tabs around the outside rods and couple the inside rod and the outside rods.