Variable Nozzle Turbocharger Guide Claw Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and increased manufacturing costs of variable nozzle units in variable geometry system turbochargers due to the need for multiple components, such as guide rings, drive rings, and synchronous link members, complicate the configuration and raise costs.

Innovation Solution

A simplified variable nozzle unit configuration that integrates guide claws with guide grooves on the base ring to support the drive ring, eliminating the need for a separate guide ring and reducing the number of components, with variable nozzles rotating synchronously using engagement portions and link members connected to nozzle shafts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate guide ring is used to support the drive ring, then the drive ring can rotate smoothly, but the number of components increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive ring rotation stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide ring is merged with the base ring by forming guide claws integrally on the base ring. The guide claws extend radially outward and provide the necessary guidance for the drive ring rotation without requiring a separate guide ring component. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining the rotational stability function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base ring is given multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses support holes for nozzle shafts, and now also provides guidance for the drive ring through the integral guide claws. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated guide ring while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components (guide ring, drive ring, synchronous link members) are used, then the variable nozzle unit can function properly, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable nozzle unit functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide claws are formed integrally with the base ring as a single component, eliminating the need for a separate guide ring. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining proper functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate guide ring is used, then the drive ring is properly guided, but the configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive ring guidanceVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide ring functionality is merged into the base ring structure through integral guide claws. This eliminates a separate component and simplifies the overall configuration while maintaining proper drive ring guidance through the radially extending guide claws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9945245B2Variable nozzle unit and variable geometry system turbocharger

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 IHI CORP

AI summary

Multiple guide claws are formed integrally on a right side surface of a first nozzle ring of a variable nozzle unit and radially at intervals in a circumferential direction. Each guide claw has a guide groove with a U-shaped cross section, which is formed by lathe turning. A projecting portion is formed at an inner edge portion on the right side surface of the first nozzle ring. The projecting portion is formed on base portions of the multiple guide claws.