Outward-Facing Unison Ring Supports for Vane Angle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable stator vane angle deviation in gas turbine engines due to unison ring decentralization, which is exacerbated by increased operating loads in larger engines, is not effectively mitigated by inward facing rub buttons in dual-actuator systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of outward facing load reacting bodies, such as brackets and bearings, which provide external support to unison rings, counteracting loads and maintaining alignment, particularly in larger engines with dual-actuator systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If inward facing rub buttons are used to control unison ring movement, then vane angle deviation is reduced in single-actuator systems, but the problem is not effectively mitigated in dual-actuator systems with increased operating loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by introducing outward facing load reacting bodies that extend from the outer surface of the unison ring toward the actuator, opposite to the conventional inward facing rub buttons. This inverted configuration allows the load reacting bodies to engage with the actuator structure and provide external support to counteract decentralization forces, thereby achieving effective control in dual-actuator systems where inward facing rub buttons failed.
2Power
If larger engines with dual-actuator systems are used to increase power output, then engine capability is improved, but unison ring decentralization and vane angle deviation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing outward facing load reacting bodies that generate opposing forces to counteract the decentralization forces caused by increased operating loads in larger engines. These load reacting bodies engage with the actuator structure to provide external support, effectively balancing the forces that cause unison ring decentralization and maintaining vane alignment in high-power dual-actuator systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If outward facing load reacting bodies are added to provide external support, then vane angle deviation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the outward facing load reacting bodies to serve multiple functions: they provide external support to the unison ring, engage with the actuator structure to counteract decentralization forces, and maintain vane alignment. This multi-functional design allows a single structural element to address multiple problems simultaneously, reducing the need for additional separate components and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Outward facing load reacting bodies for use with unison rings are disclosed. An example unison ring assembly comprises a unison ring surrounding a casing, the unison ring having an outer annular surface facing away from the casing, a bracket coupled to the casing, the bracket having an arm extending across the outer annular surface of the unison ring, the unison ring positioned between the arm and the casing, and an elongated body positioned at a circumferential position on the unison ring, a first portion of the elongated body coupled to the unison ring, a second portion of the elongated body extending away from the outer annular surface of the unison ring, the second portion having a curved surface to contact the arm.