Passive and semi-passive inlet-adjustment mechanisms for compressor, and turbocharger having same
US9822698B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2036 |
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 or semi-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 or in part 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.