Vane Ring Clamping via Arcuate Lacing Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
The robustness of compressor stator vane rings is not controllable due to variability in the fit between adjacent vane units, leading to sub-optimal damping characteristics and wear over time.
Innovation Solution
A vane assembly where individual vane units are clamped onto a shared lacing bar with a predefined arcuate shape, creating a reproducible tension and improving the robustness of the vane ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pins are used to connect adjacent vane units through blind-holes, then the vane units are connected to form a vane ring, but the tightness of the fit varies resulting in sub-optimal damping characteristics and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connecting structure by using arcuate-shaped through-holes with different radii of curvature than the lacing bar. This parameter mismatch creates a predefined tension that ensures consistent fit tightness across all vane units, eliminating the variability encountered with pin connections through blind-holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the connection system into multiple through-holes distributed along the vane units, with each through-hole engaged by a corresponding section of the lacing bar. This segmentation allows the tension to be distributed and maintained uniformly across all connection points, ensuring consistent damping characteristics throughout the entire vane ring.
2Ease of manufacture
If blind-holes are used for connecting vane units, then assembly is achieved, but machining difficulty increases due to angled holes relative to longitudinal base faces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating angled blind-holes to match the arcuate path of the vane ring, the invention inverts the approach by using straight through-holes and allowing the lacing bar to conform to the arcuate shape. This inversion simplifies machining significantly, as straight holes are much easier to drill and tap than angled blind-holes, while still achieving the required arcuate connection geometry through the lacing bar's predefined shape.
3Reliability
If a lacing bar with predefined arcuate shape is used to clamp vane units, then reproducible tension and improved damping characteristics are achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lacing bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects adjacent vane units, maintains the arcuate geometry of the vane ring, applies predefined tension to ensure tight fit, and provides damping through its elastic deformation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into a single universal connecting element, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced capabilities.
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 more robust vane ring with improved damping characteristics and minimized wear, by ensuring consistent tension across all vane units and reducing variability in their fit.
Implementation Method 1
the lacing bar - in contrast to the pin of the prior art - will be elastically deformed through bending upon insertion into and through the through-holes, thus providing the tension for reproducibly interconnecting the vane units in the assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(D)
Figure 3(A)~4
AI summary
A vane assembly (100) comprising a plurality of vane units (1) and a connecting part (30), wherein each vane unit comprises a base (10) having a through-hole (12) positioned and extending between opposing longitudinal faces of the base, wherein the connecting part comprises a lacing bar (30) formed such that it is insertable into and through the through-holes for coupling at least two adjacent vane units into the vane assembly, and wherein in the vane assembly the lacing bar is arranged through the through holes of the plurality of vane units such that clamping of the vane units on the lacing bar is achieved.