Vane System Male Connector Length Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently connecting vane segments with varying connector lengths to prevent rotation and ensure proper fit, particularly due to aerodynamic forces and the need for anti-rotation stop members, which complicates the design and potentially increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vane system with a majority of male connectors of a common length and at least one of a second, longer length, strategically positioned and offset, along with anti-rotation stop members, to securely connect vane segments in a circumferential row, allowing for efficient airflow and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If all male connectors are made of the same length, then manufacturing is simplified, but the connector cannot properly engage with anti-rotation stop members positioned at various circumferential locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making most male connectors of a first common length while providing at least one male connector of a second different length. This allows the majority of connectors to be manufactured simply with standard dimensions, while specific localized positions (where anti-rotation stop members are installed) receive specially-lengthened connectors to ensure proper engagement. The different length is determined by the radial length of vane segments and the size of anti-rotation stop members, enabling reliable engagement without compromising overall manufacturing efficiency.
2Reliability
If longer male connectors are used to reach anti-rotation stop members, then engagement reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making all connectors long and complex, the patent uses local quality by providing only the necessary number of longer male connectors at specific positions where anti-rotation stop members are installed. The majority of male connectors remain at the standard first length, minimizing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable engagement where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector population into different length categories (first common length and second different length) based on their functional requirements. This segmentation allows the system to optimize each connector's length according to its specific position and function, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining engagement reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple different connector lengths are used, then proper engagement with anti-rotation stop members is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent minimizes manufacturing complexity by applying local quality - only a small number of male connectors (those positioned where anti-rotation stop members are installed) require the second different length. The majority of male connectors use the first common length, allowing for standardized, simple manufacturing processes for most components while accommodating special requirements only where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than making all connectors longer to ensure universal engagement, the patent uses partial action by providing the extended length only where absolutely necessary for anti-rotation stop member engagement. This avoids the excessive manufacturing complexity that would result from making all connectors uniformly long, while still achieving the required engagement reliability at critical positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vane system includes vane segments that each have a platform, a connector box, and at least one airfoil extending between the platform and the connector box. The connector box has a first circumferential side in the form of a male connector and a second circumferential side in the form of a female socket. The vane segments are connected together in a circumferential row with the male connector of each said vane segment being received in the female socket of the next vane segment in the circumferential row. A majority of the male connectors are of a first, common connector length, and at least one of the male connectors is of a second connector length that is different than the common connector length.