Vane Arm Claw Press-Fit for Gas Turbine Engine Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing variable vane actuation systems in gas turbine engines face challenges in ensuring proper connection and orientation between the vane arm and the vane stem, which is crucial for efficient engine operation, as existing solutions lack reliable and efficient mechanisms for secure attachment and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A vane arm with a claw feature that provides a press-fit onto the vane stem, combined with a D-shaped opening and a threaded lock nut, along with a tab washer, ensures a secure and oriented attachment, utilizing an interference fit and radial movement to facilitate assembly and prevent outward movement of the pin, thereby maintaining the required orientation and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a press-fit claw feature is used to attach the vane arm to the vane stem, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise interference fit parameters (0.002 to 0.006 inches) between the claw feature and vane stem, transforming the attachment mechanism into a controlled parameter-based solution that ensures reliable connection while maintaining manufacturability through defined tolerance ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The D-shaped opening in the vane arm corresponds to a D-shaped portion of the vane stem, creating an asymmetric geometric interface that prevents rotational misalignment and ensures proper orientation during assembly, thereby improving attachment reliability without requiring complex alignment procedures
2Reliability
If multiple attachment features (claw, D-shaped opening, lock nut) are used, then the secure attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment functions into an integrated assembly sequence: the claw feature provides radial retention, the D-shaped opening ensures angular orientation, and the lock nut secures axial positioning. These features work together as a unified attachment system that achieves high reliability through coordinated simple components rather than complex individual mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The claw feature is pre-formed on the vane arm during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-engage retention mechanism that simplifies the assembly process. The interference fit geometry is predetermined, allowing workers to simply press the components together rather than performing complex alignment or adjustment operations during assembly
3Strength
If the claw feature has an interference fit, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific interference fit parameters (0.002 to 0.006 inches) that optimize the balance between attachment strength and assembly ease. This controlled interference ensures sufficient mechanical strength while maintaining manufacturability through reasonable tolerance ranges that can be achieved with standard machining processes
Solution Approach 2:
The爪 feature and corresponding vane stem geometry are pre-designed with the interference fit dimensions built into the manufacturing process. This preliminary configuration of the fit parameters allows for straightforward production using conventional machining methods, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly operations or specialized manufacturing equipment
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient method for attaching the vane arm to the vane stem, ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment, which enhances the operational efficiency and compactness of the gas turbine engine by preventing assembly mistakes and ensuring consistent engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
the claw feature has an interference fit to the vane stem that is from 0.002 inches to 0.006 inches
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary variable vane actuation system for a gas turbine engine includes a vane arm attachable to a vane stem and configured to rotate the vane stem about a radially extending axis. The vane arm includes a claw feature to be press-fit onto the vane stem.