Turbocharger Vane Lever Protuberance Axial Stop Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turbocharger designs with adjustable guide vanes experience axial movement and frictional wear due to the interaction between the adjustment ring and stationary axial stops, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

The guide apparatus incorporates vane levers with a protuberance that serves as an axial stop for the adjustment ring, allowing for minimal axial movement and reduced wear by rotating in unison with the adjustment ring, eliminating the need for stationary axial stops and press fit manufacturing variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If stationary axial stops are used to limit axial movement of the adjustment ring, then axial movement is reduced, but frictional wear increases due to operational rotation against the stops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial movement controlVSAvoidfrictional wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the stationary axial stop into a dynamic component by integrating it with the rotating adjustment ring. The vane lever now includes a protuberance that rotates together with the adjustment ring, eliminating relative motion between the stop and the ring during operation. This dynamic approach maintains axial movement control while eliminating frictional wear caused by stationary stops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the axial stop function with the vane lever structure by integrating the protuberance directly into the vane lever body. This combination eliminates the need for separate stationary stop components and their associated press-fit manufacturing variations, while ensuring the stop moves in unison with the adjustment ring to prevent wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If integrally manufactured vane levers with protuberances are used, then the number of parts and manufacturing costs are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidintegral manufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (van e lever mechanism and axial stop) into a single integrally manufactured component. This merger reduces the total number of parts and eliminates assembly steps, while the manufacturing precision is managed through modern integral manufacturing processes that can achieve required tolerances in a single production step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3417154B1Guide apparatus for a turbocharger including a vane lever integrated adjustment ring axial travel stop
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 BORGWARNER INC
  • EP3417154B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3417154B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3417154B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A vane lever for a guide apparatus of a turbocharger may include a base. The base may include a bore disposed therethrough. An arm may extend from the base and may be receivable in an aperture of an adjustment ring of the guide apparatus. A protuberance may extend from the base and may be capable of limiting axial movement of the adjustment ring.