Variable Vane Apparatus Gear Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable vane apparatuses in fluid machines, such as compressors and turbines, have complex structures with ring gears and quad gears, leading to increased manufacturing costs, maintenance difficulties, and vibration issues due to the use of ring gears.
Innovation Solution
A simplified variable vane apparatus design featuring a housing portion with rotatable vane gear portions, a drive gear portion, and a connection gear portion arranged in a circular configuration, eliminating the need for a ring gear and reducing radial load on the vane gear rotary shaft, thereby enhancing durability and reducing vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ring gear and quad gears are used to adjust the variable vane angle, then the variable vane apparatus can control fluid flow, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gear system into multiple independent vane gear portions (first vane gear, second vane gear, etc.) that can be separately manufactured and assembled, replacing the monolithic ring gear structure. Each vane gear portion is connected to a corresponding variable vane, allowing independent control while simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the ring gear component from the traditional variable vane apparatus structure. Instead of using a ring gear with meshed quad gears, the invention uses multiple separate vane gear portions that are simpler in design and easier to manufacture, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining the fluid flow control function.
2Power
If a ring gear is used in the variable vane apparatus, then power can be transferred to multiple vane gears, but radial load on the vane gear rotary shaft increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer function is segmented across multiple independent vane gear portions rather than being concentrated through a single ring gear system. Each vane gear portion receives power independently, distributing the radial load across multiple shafts and reducing the load on any single vane gear rotary shaft, thereby improving durability.
3Productivity
If a ring gear structure is used, then multiple vane gears can be driven, but vibration and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented vane gear portions operate independently rather than as part of a coupled ring gear system. This segmentation eliminates the vibration transmission paths present in ring gear mechanisms, as each vane gear portion is driven separately through its own rotary shaft, thereby reducing overall vibration and noise while maintaining the capability to drive multiple vane gears.
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 simplified structure facilitates easier installation, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances durability, and minimizes vibration and noise, while maintaining effective control over fluid flow by adjusting the angle of the variable vane.
Implementation Method 1
a drive gear portion transferring power to the vane gear portion and rotatably provided on the housing portion
Implementation Method 2
a connection gear portion arranged between the plurality of vane gear portions and transferring power between the plurality of vane gear portions
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a variable vane apparatus including: a housing portion; a plurality of vane gear portions configured to rotate and provided on the housing portion to be spaced apart from one another; a plurality of variable vane portions connected to the plurality of vane gear portions; a drive gear portion configured to transfer power to the plurality of vane gear portions; and a connection gear portion arranged between the plurality of vane gear portions and configured to transfer power amongst the plurality of vane gear portions.