Variable Vane Receptacle Insert for Platform Wear Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engine variable vane arrangements experience wear at interfaces between vanes and platforms, leading to skewed movement, turbulence, and gas leakage, with existing repair methods being inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A platform assembly with an insert featuring a sleeve and plate is used, where the sleeve lines the bore and the plate is located within a recess adjacent a shelf, providing a buffer and reducing wear by an interference fit, and the insert is attached to the platform to accommodate the vane shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the vane platform is operated for extended periods, then the turbine engine produces power continuously, but wear occurs at the interfaces between variable vanes and platforms leading to skewed movement and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
A spherical interface is introduced as an intermediary between the variable vane and the platform. The sphere acts as a mediator that accommodates wear through rotational movement while maintaining proper vane alignment, preventing the wear-induced skewing that would otherwise occur at the interface
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The spherical interface can rotate and adapt its orientation based on wear patterns, allowing the system to maintain proper geometry despite material loss over time, rather than requiring precise static alignment that degrades with wear
2Ease of repair
If repair techniques such as welding or platform replacement are used, then worn portions are restored, but the repair process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The interface component is segmented as a separate, replaceable element rather than being integral to the platform. This allows the worn spherical interface to be independently removed and replaced without requiring welding, platform replacement, or other complex repair procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical interface is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced when worn. Rather than attempting to restore the original platform through complex welding or machining operations, the system accepts periodic replacement of the simpler, cheaper spherical interface element
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
This configuration reduces wear and maintains vane alignment, minimizing turbulence and gas leakage, and allows for efficient repair of worn platforms by modifying receptacles to fit the insert, thereby extending the life of turbine engine components.
Implementation Method 1
the insert is attached to the platform at least through an interference fit between the sleeve and a surface of the bore
Implementation Method 2
The plate is within the recess and is configured to provide a buffer between the hub and the annular shelf
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for a variable vane arrangement of a turbine engine. A platform extends circumferentially about a centerline and radially relative to the centerline between a first platform side and a second platform side. The platform includes a plurality of variable vane receptacles arranged in an annular array about the axial centerline, which variable vane receptacles include a first variable vane receptacle. The first variable vane receptacle is configured with a recess, a bore and a shelf. The recess extends longitudinally along a variable vane pivot axis into the platform from the first platform side to the shelf. The bore extends longitudinally along the variable vane pivot axis into the platform from the shelf. An insert includes a sleeve and a plate. The sleeve lines at least a portion of the bore. The plate is located within the recess adjacent the shelf.