Variable vane devices containing rotationally-driven translating vane structures and methods for the production thereof

A variable vane device, comprising:

• a flow assembly having a centerline and an annular endwall partially bounding the flow passage;
• an annular flow passage extending through the flow assembly;
• rotationally-driven translating vane structures coupled to the flow assembly and rotatable relative thereto, the rotationally-driven translating vane structures having an angular Range of Motion (ROM) and including vane bodies positioned within the annular flow passage and angularly spaced about the centerline, wherein edge portions of the vane bodies are separated from the annular endwall by radial clearances;
• and
• cam mechanisms coupled to the flow assembly and to the rotationally-driven translating vane structures, the cam mechanisms adjusting translational positions of the vane bodies within the annular flow passage as the rotationally-driven translating vane structures rotate relative to the flow assembly, and such that an average value of the radial clearances over the angular ROM is decreased due to the translational movement imparted to the rotationally-driven translating vane structures by the cam mechanisms.