Variable Guide Vane System for Aircraft Engine Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control of variable guide vane position in aircraft engines remains a challenge, as existing systems face difficulties in efficiently adjusting vanes to regulate airflow through gas paths.
Innovation Solution
A variable guide vane system comprising an inner and outer duct wall, vanes rotatably connected between them, a drive ring, and transmission members that rotate the vane ends to adjust the angle of attack, with an actuator controlling the drive rings to pivot the vanes and manage airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuator located outside the gas path is used to move the VGVs into position, then the VGV position can be adjusted to control airflow, but the control mechanism becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the actuator from outside the gas path to inside the gas path, changing its spatial dimension and location. This allows the actuator to directly engage with the drive ring that controls the VGVs, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining airflow control capability. The actuator is positioned within the gas flow path to directly drive the vane adjustment mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple drive rings are used to control different sections of vanes, then precise airflow regulation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive ring mechanism into multiple separate drive rings (first drive ring and second drive ring) that are axially spaced apart. Each drive ring controls a specific section of the vanes (upstream and downstream sections), allowing independent and precise control of different airflow sections. This segmentation enables precise airflow regulation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
A vane system (V) for an aircraft engine (10) comprises: an inner wall (42) extending circumferentially about a duct axis (D); an outer wall (44) extending circumferentially about the duct axis (D); at least one vane (50) extending from an inner end (52) attached to the inner wall (42) to an outer end (54) rotatably connected to the outer wall (44), the outer end (54) rotatable relative to the outer wall (44) about a vane axis (V); a ring (60) extending circumferentially about the duct axis (D) radially outward of the outer wall (44) relative to the duct axis (D), the ring (60) rotatable about the duct axis (D); and at least one transmission member located radially outward of the outer wall (44) and coupling the ring (60) to the outer end (54) such that rotating the ring (60) rotates the outer end (54) about the vane axis (V).