Variable Geometry Assembly for Turbomachines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable geometry mechanisms in turbomachines, such as variable nozzle guide vanes and diffuser vanes, are complex to manufacture and assemble, prone to vibrations, and suffer from backlash due to multiple components and kinematic connections, making them inefficient for adjusting operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable geometry assembly comprising two coaxial rings with wedge-shaped elements that angularly and axially displace to modulate fluid flow, eliminating the need for pivoting vanes and providing a simple, reliable flow modulation system through sliding contact and resilient members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable nozzle guide vanes with pivoting mechanisms are used to control fluid flow, then flow adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into two independent coaxial rings, each with wedge-shaped elements. The first ring has elements that can slide axially, while the second ring has elements that can slide radially. This segmentation allows each ring to independently control flow parameters without complex interconnections, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-plane pivoting motion to two-dimensional control by using two coaxial rings that can slide in different directions (axial and radial). This dimensional change eliminates the need for pivoting joints and lever mechanisms, simplifying the structure while preserving flow control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple kinematic connections and lever mechanisms are used in variable geometry assemblies, then flow control functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vibrations and backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic pivoting joints, levers, and multiple kinematic connections from the system. By using direct sliding contact between wedge-shaped elements on two rings, the design removes the sources of vibrations and backlash while maintaining the essential flow control functionality through axial and radial displacement of the rings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional variable geometry mechanisms with multiple components are used, then flow modulation capability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple components (pivoting vanes, levers, actuators, and connection joints) into two simple coaxial rings with wedge-shaped elements. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, making the system easier to produce while maintaining flow modulation capability through the relative sliding motion of the two rings.
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 solution allows for efficient adjustment of fluid flow without the complexity of pivoting vanes, enhancing reliability and reducing vibrations, thereby improving the operational efficiency of turbomachines under variable conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first sliding surfaces and the second sliding surfaces of the first wedge-shaped elements and second wedge-shaped elements are smooth, such that the first ring and the second ring slide continuously one over the other when the angular displacement therebetween occurs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A variable geometry assembly for modulating a fluid flow in a turbomachine is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a first ring (33; 133) having a plurality of first wedge-shaped elements (37; 137) and having an axis (A-A); a second ring (35; 135) having a plurality of second wedge-shaped elements (39; 139) and having an axis (A-A). The second ring is substantially coaxial to the first ring. The second wedge-shaped elements (39; 139) co-act with the first wedge-shaped elements (37; 137). Flow passages (41) are defined between pairs of sequentially arranged first wedge-shaped elements (37; 137) and second wedge-shaped elements (39; 139). The first ring (33; 133) and the second ring (35; 135) are angularly displaceable one with respect to the other. Moreover, the first ring (33; 133) and the second ring (35; 135) are configured to move axially with respect to one another when the first ring and the second ring are angularly displaced one with respect to the other.