Variable Geometry Turbocharger Drive Ring Support Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing variable geometry turbocharger has a complex drive ring support mechanism involving multiple components, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified drive ring support mechanism using a single ring support member with radial, compressor side, and turbine side regulating parts to stabilize the drive ring, reducing the number of components and improving manufacturability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple roller pins and rollers are used to support the drive ring, then the drive ring is properly supported and driven, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (roller pins and rollers) into a single integrated ring support member. This member includes a support portion that holds the drive ring and a regulating portion that controls the drive ring's movement, merging functions that were previously distributed across multiple parts into one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the drive ring, regulates its radial movement, controls its axial movement toward the compressor side, and controls its axial movement toward the turbine side. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple roller pins and rollers are installed on the nozzle mount, then the drive ring can be driven, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete parts into a single ring support member that can be manufactured as one piece. This integration reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the ring support member is designed with distinct functional segments: a support portion for holding the drive ring and a regulating portion for controlling movement. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining manufacturability as a single component.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a complex support mechanism is used, then the drive ring is stabilized, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple components into a single ring support member that provides all necessary support and regulation functions. This merging maintains the stability required for proper drive ring operation while reducing the total number of components in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring support member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides support, radial regulation, and axial regulation in both directions. This universality allows one component to perform the work of multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable geometry turbocharger includes a turbine having a variable nozzle unit, and a compressor. The variable nozzle unit has: a unit main body part that is fixed to a turbine housing and rotatably supports a plurality of nozzle vanes; a drive ring that transmits a driving force to the plurality of nozzle vanes; and a drive ring support member that is fixed to the unit main body part and rotatably supports the drive ring. The drive ring support member is formed by one member and has: base end side parts that regulate movement of the drive ring in a radial direction; tip end side parts that regulate movement of the drive ring to the compressor side; and turbine side receiving parts that regulate movement of the drive ring to the turbine side in the direction of a rotational axis.