Variable Nozzle Unit Unison Ring Angle Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable nozzle units require a dedicated part to regulate the rotation angle of the unison ring, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A variable nozzle unit design that uses vane arms with extension portions and a receiving portion on the second plate to regulate the rotation angle of the unison ring, eliminating the need for a dedicated part by utilizing contact walls to control the rotation of nozzle vanes and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated stopper part is used to regulate the rotation angle of the unison ring, then the rotation angle can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity and assembly process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation angle regulation function into the unison ring structure itself by forming guide grooves directly on the inner peripheral surface of the unison ring. The stoppers are integrated as protrusions from the nozzle vanes that engage with these grooves, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated stopper part. This integration maintains precise rotation angle control while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves formed on the unison ring act as an intermediary mechanism between the nozzle vanes and the unison ring rotation control. The grooves guide the stoppers during rotation, providing precise angular positioning without requiring external regulation parts. This intermediary structure enables accurate rotation angle control through the interaction between the groove geometry and the stopper engagement.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated stopper part is used to regulate the rotation angle, then the rotation range can be controlled, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The unison ring simultaneously serves as the rotation synchronizing element and the rotation angle regulation element through its integrated guide grooves. The nozzle vanes incorporate stoppers that engage with these grooves, eliminating the need for separate dedicated stopper parts and simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The unison ring is designed with multi-functionality: it synchronizes the rotation of all nozzle vanes and simultaneously regulates the rotation angle through its guide grooves. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate parts, reducing the total number of components and simplifying assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the unison ring rotates freely without regulation, then the assembly process is simplified, but the nozzle vane rotation angle cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The guide grooves are formed directly on the unison ring structure, integrating the rotation angle regulation function into the existing unison ring. This integration maintains assembly simplicity while ensuring precise rotation angle control through the geometric constraints provided by the grooves during unison ring rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide grooves serve as an intermediary constraint mechanism that guides the stoppers during unison ring rotation. This intermediary structure provides the necessary rotation angle precision without adding complex external regulation mechanisms, maintaining assembly simplicity while achieving precise angular positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable nozzle unit includes a first plate, a second plate, a plurality of nozzle vanes each having a rotary shaft portion and a vane, a plurality of vane arms, and a unison ring. Each vane arm includes an engaging portion. The plurality of vane arms includes at least one extension arm. The extension arm includes an extension portion that has a shape extending from the engaging portion toward the second plate. The second plate has a receiving portion that receives the extension portion. The receiving portion includes a pair of contact walls, wherein the contact walls are brought into contact with the extension portion respectively at a position where each of the nozzle vanes maximizes the flow passage area of the exhaust air passage and at a position where the nozzle vane minimizes the flow passage area of the exhaust air passage.