Variable Vane Devices with Rotationally-Driven Translating Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional variable vane devices in gas turbine engines suffer from end gap leakage due to radial gaps between rotatable vanes and static flow assembly surfaces, leading to reduced efficiency and increased strains on downstream components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of rotationally-driven translating vane structures with cam mechanisms that adjust the translational positions of vane bodies within the annular flow passage, reducing clearances between vane bodies and neighboring surfaces to minimize leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radial gaps or endwall clearances are provided between vane edges and static flow assembly surfaces, then rubbing and binding are prevented, but end gap leakage increases reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of rubbing and bindingVSAvoidend gap leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from static vanes to dynamically adjustable vanes that can change their radial position. The actuator system enables the vanes to move radially inward or outward, allowing the clearance to be dynamically optimized between preventing rubbing/binding and minimizing leakage based on operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the clearance parameter from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By using an actuator mechanism, the radial clearance between vane edges and static flow assembly surfaces can be adjusted to different values, enabling optimization of the trade-off between reliability and energy loss under different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If endwall clearances are minimized to reduce leakage, then efficiency improves, but rubbing and binding may occur between vane edges and endwalls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend gap leakageVSAvoidprevention of rubbing and binding

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system provides dynamic control over vane radial position, allowing the system to maintain minimum clearances for reduced leakage while having the capability to increase clearance when rubbing or binding is detected or predicted, thus maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If vane angular position is adjusted frequently or continually, then engine performance is optimized, but end gap leakage varies dynamically creating excitation forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performanceVSAvoidexcitation forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a new parameter - radial clearance - that can be adjusted independently of angular position. By coordinating changes in both angular position and radial clearance, the system can optimize performance while minimizing the dynamic variation in clearance that causes excitation forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution effectively reduces end gap leakage and enhances the performance of variable vane devices by maintaining optimal clearances across the angular Range of Motion, thereby improving the efficiency and reducing excitation forces on rotor components.

Implementation Method 1

cam mechanisms, and rotationally-driven translating vane structures coupled to the flow assembly. The translating vane structures include vane bodies, which are positioned within the annular flow passage and angularly spaced about the centerline. During operation of the variable vane device, the cam mechanisms adjust translational positions of the vane bodies within the annular flow passage in conjunction with rotation of the translating vane structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS11015614B2Variable vane devices containing rotationally-driven translating vane structures and methods for the production thereof

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Variable vane devices containing rotationally-driven translating vane structures are provided, as are methods for fabricating variable vane devices. In one embodiment, the variable vane device includes a flow assembly having a centerline, an annular flow passage extending through the flow assembly, cam mechanisms, and rotationally-driven translating vane structures coupled to the flow assembly and rotatable relative thereto. The translating vane structures include vane bodies positioned within the annular flow passage and angularly spaced about the centerline. During operation of the variable vane device, the cam mechanisms adjust translational positions of the vane bodies within the annular flow passage in conjunction with rotation of the translating vane structures relative to the flow assembly. By virtue of the translational movement of the translating vane structures, a reduction in the clearances between the vane bodies and neighboring flow assembly surfaces can be realized to reduce end gap leakage and boost device performance.