Passive inlet-adjustment mechanisms for compressor, and turbocharger having same
US10227917B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A centrifugal compressor for a turbocharger includes a passive inlet-adjustment mechanism in an air inlet for the compressor, operable to move between an open position and a closed position solely by aerodynamic forces on the mechanism. The inlet-adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of flexible vanes collectively forming a duct, and an effective diameter of the air inlet at the inducer portion of the compressor wheel is determined by a trailing edge inside diameter of the duct. The vanes are movable solely by aerodynamic forces exerted on the vanes by the air flowing to the compressor wheel. The duct has a tapering configuration when the vanes are in a relaxed state, but under aerodynamic force the vanes flex outwardly and increase the trailing edge inside diameter of the duct, thereby increasing an effective diameter of the air inlet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.