# US 8,783,119 B2 · Vane arm testing rig

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 8,783,119 B2
- Document ID: US8783119B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/627,124
- Filed: 2012-09-26
- Published: 2014-03-27
- Granted: 2014-07-22
- Earliest claimed: 2012-09-26
- Assignees: United Technologies Corporation
- Applicants: United Technologies Corporation
- Inventors: Jonathan D. Little
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8783119B2

## CPC

- G01M 13/027: Test-benches with force-applying means, e.g. loading of drive shafts along several directions
- F04D 29/563: {specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps}
- G01M: TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F04D: NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS (engine fuel-injection pumps F02M; ion pumps H01J41/12; electrodynamic pumps H02K44/02)

## Abstract

An example vane arm testing rig includes a base having a first attachment configured to receive a first end of a vane arm when the vane arm is in an engaged position, and a torque member having a second attachment configured to receive an opposing, second end of the vane arm when the vane arm is in the engaged position. The vane arm extends along a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first and second attachments are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis. The first and second attachments are configured to move laterally relative to each other.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A vane arm testing rig, comprising:
a base having a first attachment configured to receive a first end of a vane arm; and
a torque member having a second attachment configured to receive an opposing, second end of the vane arm,
the vane arm extending along a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end,
wherein the first and second attachments are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis, and the first and second attachments are configured to move laterally relative to each other.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 1, wherein the torque member is pivotably coupled to the base.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 1, including a carrier that holds the torque member.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 3, including links that pivotably secure the carrier to the base.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 4, wherein the links comprise a four bar linkage.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 1, wherein the first and second attachments permit relative pivoting of the vane arm.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 6, wherein the relative pivoting is about pivot axes that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 1, including a measurement device configured to measure strain on the vane arm when the first and second attachments have rotated and moved laterally relative to each other.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 1, wherein the vane arm is in a test position outside a turbomachine when the vane arm is received by the first and second attachments.

### Claim 10

A vane arm testing rig comprising:
a first pivot configured to hold a first end of a vane arm;
a second pivot configured to hold an opposing, second end of the vane arm, the first and second pivots movable relative to each other between a start position to a test position,
the first and second pivots in the test position being circumferentially displaced relative to the first and second pivots in the start position,
the first and second pivots in the test position being laterally displaced relative to the first and second pivots in the start position.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 10, wherein the torque member is coupled to the base.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 10, including a carrier that holds the torque member.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 12, including links that pivotably secures the carrier to the base.

### Claim 14 (depends on 10)

The vane arm testing rig of claim 10, wherein the vane arm in the test position is outside a turbomachine.

### Claim 15

A method of testing a vane arm, comprising:
securing a first end of a vane arm to a first attachment location;
securing an opposing second end of the vane arm to a second attachment location;
rotating the first attachment location relative to the second attachment location;
translating the first attachment location relative to the second attachment location.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The method of claim 15, including measuring strain on the vane arm.

### Claim 17 (depends on 15)

The method of claim 15, including pivoting the first and about the first attachment location, and pivoting the second and about the second attachment location during the translating.

### Claim 18 (depends on 15)

The method of claim 15, including coupling the first attachment location to the second attachment location utilizing a four bar linkage.

### Claim 19 (depends on 15)

The method of claim 15, including applying torque to the first attachment.