General Electric Company
Variable nozzles in turbine engines and methods related thereto

Abstract:

A turbine engine having a variable nozzle assembly that includes: a variable nozzle having an airfoil that extends radially across an annulus formed between inner and outer platforms; and a segmented shaft that translates a torque between segments included therewithin. The segmented shaft may include a first and second segment. The first segment of the segmented shaft may include: the airfoil of the variable nozzle; an outer stem extending from the outer end of the airfoil; and an inner stem extending from the inner end of the airfoil. A first and second connector may connect the first segment to the inner platform and outer platform, respectively. A third connector may connect the first segment to the second segment. The first and second connector may include a first and second spherical bearing, respectively. The third connector may include a first universal joint.