Variable Vane Damper Absorbs Vibrations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variable vanes in turbomachines experience vibrations during operation, leading to fatigue and damage, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A variable vane assembly featuring a damper made of resilient materials, such as elastomeric or metallic components, bonded to the trunnion and platform, which rotates with the vane body to absorb vibrations, reducing stress on the vane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If variable vanes are used in turbomachine compressor sections to control flow, then flow management capability is improved, but the variable vanes are exposed to vibrations that cause fatigue and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoidvane durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A damper component is introduced as an intermediary element between the variable vane body and the stator assembly. This damper absorbs vibrations generated during turbomachine operation, protecting the variable vane from vibratory loads while maintaining its flow control function. The damper acts as a mediator that isolates the vane from harmful vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damper is pre-installed and positioned between the variable vane body and stator assembly before operation begins. This beforehand cushioning arrangement ensures that vibrations are absorbed from the outset, preventing fatigue and damage accumulation in the variable vane during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a damper is added to reduce vibrations, then variable vane reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevane durabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is integrated into the existing variable vane assembly structure, merging the vibration damping function with the flow control mechanism. Rather than adding a completely separate system, the damper is incorporated as part of the variable vane assembly, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces vibratory loads on variable vanes, minimizing damage and extending their lifespan by absorbing vibrations, making it suitable for geared turbomachines.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the body is comprised of an elastomeric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2834471B1Variable vane inner platform damping

Publication Date: 2020.04.29 RTX CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A variable vane assembly includes a damper positioned between a platform and a trunnion. The damper is comprised of a resilient material.