Variable Vane Adjustment Mechanism Using Shim Plates and Roller Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines require precise positioning of variable vanes to maintain optimal airflow and performance across different power settings, but existing adjustment mechanisms lack the necessary precision and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A vane adjustment assembly featuring an annular ring, shim plates, carrier plates, and a roller pin system, allowing for adjustable positioning of vanes through a cam plate and slot mechanism, enabling precise alignment and adjustment of vanes relative to the engine casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing adjustment mechanisms are used for variable vanes, then the structure is simpler, but the positioning precision and flexibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into multiple independent components including shim plates, carrier plates, roller pins, and cam plates. Each component performs a specific function: shim plates provide precise thickness-based positioning, carrier plates hold and position the roller pins, and cam plates convert rotational motion into precise linear displacement. This segmentation allows for high positioning precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller pin acts as an intermediary element between the cam plate and the variable vanes. It transfers and amplifies the displacement generated by cam plate rotation into precise positioning adjustments of the vanes. This intermediary mechanism enables fine control of vane angles without requiring complex direct actuation systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed vane positioning is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different power settings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism transforms the static vane positioning into a dynamic system. The cam plates can be rotated to different angular positions, and the shim plates can be adjusted to different thicknesses, enabling the vanes to adapt to multiple power settings. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical components rather than complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism enables change of geometric parameters (vane angles and positions) to optimize performance across different power settings. By rotating cam plates and adjusting shim plate thicknesses, the system modifies the positioning parameters of variable vanes, thereby adapting to various operational conditions without changing the overall structure.
3Measurement precision
If multi-dimensional adjustment is implemented, then the control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-dimensional adjustment is segmented into independent rotational and axial components. The cam plate provides rotational adjustment for one dimension, while the shim plate thickness provides axial adjustment for another dimension. This segmentation allows operators to adjust each dimension separately using simple, intuitive motions rather than complex coordinated movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim plates are pre-manufactured with specific thicknesses to provide predetermined adjustment increments. This preliminary preparation of adjustment components allows for precise multi-dimensional positioning without requiring complex real-time calculations or coordinated adjustments during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vane adjustment assembly includes a plurality of vanes, an annular ring coupled to the vanes, and a ring adjustment assembly. The ring adjustment assembly includes a shim plate having a first shim surface removably arranged on an axially facing surface of the annular ring, a carrier plate having a first carrier surface removably arranged on a second shim surface of the shim plate opposite the first shim surface, and a roller pin coupled to a second carrier surface of the carrier plate opposite the first carrier surface. The shim plate is sized so as to locate the roller pin at a predetermined distance from the annular ring so as to adjust a position of the plurality of variable vanes relative to the roller pin.