Vane Actuator Ring Uniform Turbine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vane actuation systems in turbomachines face challenges in efficiently controlling the position of guide vanes in variable turbine geometry turbochargers, leading to issues such as vane sticking and non-uniform actuation, especially in high or non-uniform temperature environments, which complicates the manufacturing and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A vane actuator system comprising an actuator ring that mechanically couples to vane posts through splines and grooves, allowing uniform operation of multiple vanes, reducing the need for individual vane levers and minimizing friction and stress, thereby enabling smooth transition between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual vane levers are used to control each guide vane, then precise control of each vane is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual vane levers are merged into a single actuator ring that simultaneously controls all guide vanes. The actuator ring incorporates multiple actuation elements (splines, teeth, or lobes) that engage with corresponding features on each vane, allowing one component to perform the function of multiple separate levers while maintaining precise control over each vane's position
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator ring is designed as a universal control component that can actuate multiple vanes through a single rotational motion. By incorporating multi-functional engagement features (such as splines that can engage multiple vanes simultaneously), the actuator ring achieves the multi-functionality needed to control the entire vane assembly without requiring individual actuators for each vane
2Reliability
If traditional vane actuation systems are used in high temperature environments, then vane actuation is achieved, but vane sticking and non-uniform actuation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator ring is segmented into multiple independent actuation zones, each with its own engagement features (splines, teeth, or lobes) that independently contact corresponding vanes. This segmentation ensures that thermal expansion or contraction of individual vanes does not affect the overall actuation uniformity, as each vane is controlled by its dedicated engagement point on the actuator ring
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features between the actuator ring and vanes are designed with modified geometric parameters (such as spline profiles, tooth shapes, or lobe configurations) that compensate for thermal effects. These parameter changes ensure that the contact geometry maintains proper clearance and force distribution across the operating temperature range, preventing vane sticking and ensuring uniform actuation despite temperature variations
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple individual actuators are used for each vane, then uniform actuation is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual actuators are merged into a single integrated actuator ring component that provides uniform actuation to all vanes through its rotational motion. The actuator ring incorporates multiple engagement features (splines, teeth, or lobes) distributed around its circumference, allowing one manufactured component to replace multiple separate actuators and simplify assembly while maintaining actuation uniformity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A number of variations may include a product comprising: a turbine comprising a lower ring, a upper ring, a plurality of vanes, wherein each of the vanes comprises a vane post mechanically coupling the lower ring and the upper ring to the vane, and a vane actuator comprising an actuator ring constructed and arranged to operate the vanes uniformly based on movement of the actuator ring.