Variable Vane Actuation Press Fit Coupling for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine variable vane actuation systems face challenges in efficiently pivoting variable vanes to optimize engine operability, particularly in high-loading environments, due to limited bearing surface area and wear issues between moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A variable vane actuation system incorporating an actuation ring, vane arms, and press fit members, including a vane arm pin with a collar portion and extensions, which are pivotably engaged with the actuation ring and bushing brackets, allowing for efficient rotation and reduced wear through a press fit mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional variable vane actuation systems are used, then the structure is simpler, but the bearing surface area is limited and wear occurs in high-loading environments
Solution Approach 1:
The press fit member introduces a new dimensional aspect to the connection between vane arm and actuation ring. By adding the collar portion that extends radially outward and engages with bushing brackets, the system transforms a simple rotational connection into a multi-dimensional load-bearing structure with increased surface area for force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The press fit member acts as an intermediary element between the vane arm and actuation ring. This intermediate component includes a collar portion that can be press fit into the vane arm and extensions that engage with the actuation ring, thereby mediating the connection and distributing loads across larger bearing surfaces.
2Reliability
If traditional variable vane actuation systems are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but wear issues occur between moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the vane arm, the press fit member with collar and extensions, the bushing brackets, and the actuation ring. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately, with the press fit member serving as a specialized wear-resistant element that can be replaced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The press fit member combines different material properties and structural features - the collar portion for press fit engagement, the extensions for rotational connection, and the integrated design that distributes wear across multiple contact surfaces. This composite structural approach enhances wear resistance while maintaining manufacturability.
3Ease of operation
If the actuation ring rotates to pivot vane arms, then vane angle control is achieved, but friction and wear increase between contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The press fit member serves as an intermediary that reduces direct contact between the vane arm and actuation ring. The collar portion and extensions create distributed contact points that minimize friction during rotation, allowing smooth vane angle control while reducing wear on all contacting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the radial extension dimension with bushing bracket engagement, the system transforms a single-point rotational contact into a multi-point distributed contact system. This dimensional addition reduces friction and wear during the rotation operation by spreading the contact forces across larger surfaces.
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
The system provides a larger bearing surface area, enhancing durability and efficiency in high-loading conditions by minimizing wear and facilitating precise control of vane angles, thereby optimizing engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a collar portion that is press fit within an aperture of a respective one of the plurality of vane arms
Data Source
AI summary
An example variable vane actuation system of a gas turbine engine includes, among other things, an actuation ring, a plurality of variable vanes circumferentially disposed about an engine axis, a plurality of vane arms configured to actuate the plurality of variable vanes, and a plurality of press fit members coupling the vane arms to the actuation ring.