Variable Nozzle Vane Segmentation and Rear Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing variable nozzle devices face challenges in achieving high performance and functionality due to the need for complex mounting processes and aerodynamic inefficiencies caused by conventional assembly slots and diffuser plates.

Innovation Solution

A variable nozzle device design where the vane is composed of separate fixable parts, allowing for simplified mounting without the need for assembly slots, and utilizing a unison ring and tab member configuration that prevents vane rotation and floating, eliminating the requirement for a diffuser plate and spacers, thereby improving aerodynamic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the vane is provided as a single integrated part with the tab member, then the mounting process is simpler, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to the need for assembly slots and diffuser plates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting process simplicityVSAvoidaerodynamic losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The vane is divided into separate parts: the vane body and the tab member. This segmentation allows the tab member to be inserted through the wall member from the rear side only, eliminating the need for assembly slots that would compromise aerodynamic performance. The separate parts can be fixed together using various methods such as press-fitting, welding, or adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of inserting the tab member from the front side through an assembly slot (conventional approach), the invention inverts the mounting direction by inserting the tab member from the rear side of the wall member. This reversal eliminates the need for front-side assembly slots and maintains aerodynamic integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If assembly slots are provided in the wall member for mounting the tab member, then the mounting process is facilitated, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to slot-induced losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting facilitationVSAvoidaerodynamic losses from slots

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting direction is inverted so that the tab member is inserted from the rear side of the wall member rather than from the front side. This eliminates the need for assembly slots in the aerodynamic surface, preventing slot-induced aerodynamic losses while still facilitating the mounting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly slot function is extracted and eliminated from the wall member by changing the mounting approach. The tab member is secured through rear-side insertion and fixation, removing the harmful assembly slot from the aerodynamic path while maintaining mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a diffuser plate is provided to support the vane, then structural stability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to the additional plate and spacers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevane structural stabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic losses from diffuser plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser plate and spacers are extracted (removed) from the variable nozzle device. The vane stability is maintained through alternative means such as proper tab member fixation to the wall member and appropriate positioning, eliminating the aerodynamic losses associated with the diffuser plate while preserving structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall member itself serves the dual function of providing both the mounting surface for the tab member and the structural support previously provided by the diffuser plate. The vane is directly mounted to the wall member through the tab member, eliminating the need for separate support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If the tab portion is inserted through the slot from the front side, then the mounting process is straightforward, but the slot shape becomes complex and aerodynamic performance suffers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting straightforwardnessVSAvoidslot shape complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion direction is inverted from front-side to rear-side. The tab member is inserted through the wall member from the rear side and fixed in place, eliminating the need for complex front-side assembly slots while maintaining mounting straightforwardness through the simplified rear-side insertion path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS7478991B2Variable nozzle device

Publication Date: 2009.01.20 GARRETT TRANSPORTATION I INC

AI summary

A variable nozzle device comprises a wall member, a unison ring provided on a first side of the wall member, and a vane, a vane body of which is provided on a second side of the wall member, said second side being opposite to said first side, wherein said vane further having a tab member comprising a tab portion and a shaft portion, said shaft portion being movably inserted in a slot of the wall member; and said tab portion being adapted to hold the vane body by abutting against a portion of the wall member which defines the slot, wherein the vane body and the tab member are provided as separate, parts and are fixable to each other.