Variable Geometry Turbine Non-Linear Linkage Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable geometry turbochargers face challenges in compact design and actuation complexity, particularly in applications where space is limited, leading to increased costs and potential inefficiencies due to the need for large, powerful actuators and complex linkages.
Innovation Solution
A variable geometry turbine design featuring a non-linear linkage mechanism, including a four-bar linkage, that connects the actuator to a movable wall member within the turbine housing, allowing for efficient axial movement and reduced actuator force requirements by optimizing the force exerted per unit of torque, thereby enabling a more compact and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional actuator and linkage arrangement is used to move the movable wall member, then the turbine can be actuated, but the actuator size and complexity increase due to the need for large, powerful actuators to overcome forces near closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the linkage arrangement dynamic rather than static. The linkage includes a movable connection point on the movable wall member that can shift position, allowing the mechanical advantage to change dynamically during actuation. This enables the system to overcome the increasing force resistance near closed position without requiring an oversized actuator, thereby reducing both actuator size and overall system complexity while maintaining reliable actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the geometric parameters of the linkage arrangement. Specifically, the position of the connection point on the movable wall member changes during actuation, which alters the mechanical advantage ratio. This parameter variation allows the system to optimize force transmission at different stages of wall member movement, enabling compact actuator design while ensuring sufficient force is available to overcome the increasing resistance near the closed position.
2Productivity
If the movable wall member is positioned near closed position, then gas flow control is optimized, but the force required to move the wall member increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a linkage arrangement that acts as a mechanical mediator between the actuator and the movable wall member. This linkage system transforms the actuator's motion and force characteristics, providing mechanical advantage that multiplies the actuator's output force. The linkage serves as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the limited actuator force and the high force requirements near closed position, enabling effective gas flow control without excessive actuator sizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a dynamic linkage system where the mechanical advantage varies continuously during actuation. As the movable wall member approaches the closed position, the linkage geometry changes to increase the force multiplication ratio. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to match the increasing force requirements with the actuator's capability, maintaining productive gas flow control while avoiding the need for a constantly oversized actuator.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact turbocharger design is implemented, then space constraints are satisfied, but the actuator and linkage arrangement occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the linkage arrangement within the existing turbocharger housing structure. The linkage components are positioned and configured to fit within the available space between the movable wall member, the housing, and other internal components. This nesting approach allows the actuator and linkage to occupy minimal additional space while still providing the necessary mechanical advantage, thereby satisfying compact turbocharger design requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the axial dimension of the turbocharger for the linkage arrangement. Rather than extending the linkage radially or circumferentially where space is limited, the design accommodates the linkage motion primarily in the axial direction, where more space is available. This dimensional reorganization allows the linkage and actuator to be compact in the critical radial and circumferential dimensions while maintaining sufficient size for functional operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine wheel mounted within a housing rotating about a turbine axis; a gas flow control passage upstream of the turbine wheel between a radial first surface of a movable wall member and a facing wall of the housing, the movable wall member comprising second and third surfaces opposing the first surface. The movable wall member moves in an axial direction to vary the size of the gas flow control passage. A first gas region of the turbine, being upstream of the gas flow control passage, includes a portion of the gas flow control passage; a second gas region of the turbine downstream of the gas flow control passage containing the turbine wheel; and a third gas region of the turbine downstream of the turbine wheel. The first gas region comprises the first and second surfaces, and the second gas region or third gas region comprises the third surface.