Abstract: A variable vane actuation mechanism is comprised of a first drive vane arm and a second drive vane arm for driving a first variable vane array and a second variable vane array, respectively, of a stator vane section of a gas turbine engine. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm are connected to each other at a first end by a linkage. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm are connected at a second end to a first drive vane and a second drive vane, respectively, of the first and second variable vane arrays. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm respond in unison to a single actuation source connected to one of the first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm.

Abstract: An inner diameter vane shroud of a variable vane assembly accommodates a synchronization mechanism for coordinating rotation of an array of variable vanes. The inner diameter vane shroud has a gear track that runs circumferentially through the vane shroud. An array of variable vanes is rotatably mounted in the vane shroud at an inner end. Each vane has a gear pinion at its inner end, which interfaces with the gear track. As one of the individual variable vanes is rotated by an actuation source, the other variable vanes of the variable vane array are rotated a like amount by the rack and pinion gear interface.

Abstract: A variable vane assembly includes a sync ring mechanism for synchronously rotating an array of variable vanes. The variable vane assembly comprises a drive vane, a synch ring, a vane arm and a plurality of follower vanes and follower arms. An inner diameter end of the drive vane rotates in an inner diameter vane shroud. The synch ring rotates in an inner channel of the inner diameter vane shroud. The vane arm connects the inner diameter end of the drive vane with the synch ring. The plurality of follower vanes are connected to the synch ring by the follower arms. When the drive vane is rotated by an actuation source, the plurality of follower vanes rotate a like amount by the synch ring and follower arms.

Abstract: An inner diameter vane shroud for use in a gas turbine engine is comprised of lightweight cast forward and aft shroud components. The forward and aft shroud components are made with an investment casting technique that creates a hollow cavity that runs in a circumferential direction through each component. The forward and aft shroud components are matable to form sockets that receive inner diameter ends of variable stator vanes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an inner diameter vane shroud that accommodates a mechanism for synchronously rotating an array of variable vanes. Particularly, the invention comprises an inner diameter vane shroud that has a gear channel that runs circumferentially through the vane shroud. An array of variable vanes is rotatably mounted in the vane shroud at an inner end. The variable vanes comprise vane gears at their inner end, which are rotatable in the gear channel. Disposed between the vane gears of the variable vanes are idler gears. As one of the individual variable vanes is rotated by an actuation source, the other variable vanes of the variable vane array are rotated a like amount by the vane gears and idler gears.