Flexible tool for polishing the inner wall of an aircraft duct

Abstract

The application discloses an aviation conduit inner wall flexible polishing tool, and belongs to the technical field of aviation engine conduit inner surface treatment. The tool comprises a flexible pipeline, a variable-diameter polishing head and an inflatable air bag. The variable-diameter polishing head comprises an elastic polishing sphere, and an abrasive layer is arranged on the elastic polishing sphere. The inflatable air bag is inflated to the elastic polishing sphere through the flexible pipeline, the elastic polishing sphere is expanded and enlarged to open the abrasive layer, and the abrasive layer is adhered to the outer contour polishing surface of the elastic polishing sphere. The variable-diameter polishing head can be radially expanded after entering the conduit, and can adapt to the polishing requirements of the inner walls of aviation conduits with different inner diameters. The tool has the advantages of compact structure, flexible operation, wide application range, uniform polishing effect and the like, and is suitable for inner wall deburring, polishing and other processes of complex curved conduits in aviation engines, and can effectively improve the polishing quality and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation duct manufacturing, and more specifically to a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of aviation ducts. Background Technology

[0002] Aviation ducts are the "lifeline" of aircraft fuel, hydraulic, and environmental control systems. As a critical component, the smoothness, roundness, and dimensional accuracy of their inner walls directly affect fluid transmission efficiency and flight safety. During the manufacturing process of aviation ducts, welding residues, oxide layers, and other foreign matter may be generated on the inner wall due to welding; scratches, abrasions, and other internal surface defects may also occur during the bending process. These foreign matter and defects can lead to: fluid turbulence and pressure loss: a rough inner wall increases fluid friction resistance, reduces the transmission efficiency of fuel or hydraulic systems, and may even affect engine performance. Particulate matter accumulation: welding residues, scratches, and abrasions may form metal debris under high oil pressure, contaminating hydraulic oil or fuel, clogging precision components (such as fuel nozzles and servo control valves), causing severe wear or even jamming, directly threatening flight safety. Fatigue crack initiation: micro-defects on the surface may propagate into cracks under high pressure or vibration, leading to duct rupture (such as hydraulic system failure).

[0003] Currently, grinding of the inner walls of aviation ducts mostly uses rigid grinding rods or grinding heads of fixed dimensions, which has the following problems:

[0004] 1. Difficult to adapt to the inner wall contour of curved conduits, resulting in uneven grinding;

[0005] 2. Different sized grinding heads are required for tubes with different inner diameters, which is inefficient;

[0006] 3. Rigid tools are prone to getting stuck or damaging the pipe wall in curved sections;

[0007] 4. It is impossible to achieve full and continuous polishing of the inner wall, resulting in polishing blind spots.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a flexible inner wall grinding tool that can adapt to different pipe diameters and curved shapes in order to improve grinding quality and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of aviation ducts, which solves the problems of existing rigid grinding tools being unable to adapt to curved ducts, uneven grinding, and low efficiency.

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct, comprising a flexible pipe, one end of which is provided with a variable-diameter grinding head, and the other end with an inflatable airbag; the variable-diameter grinding head includes an elastic grinding ball connected to the flexible pipe, and an abrasive layer is provided on the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball, the abrasive layer having redundant deformation; the inflatable airbag inflates the elastic grinding ball through the flexible pipe, causing the elastic grinding ball to expand and expand, thus stretching the abrasive layer to adhere to the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball.

[0011] Furthermore, a shut-off valve is installed in the middle of the flexible pipe, and the stepped tapered joints at both ends of the shut-off valve are detachably connected to the flexible pipe via clamps. The shut-off valve is used to control the inflation and deflation of the variable-diameter grinding head.

[0012] Furthermore, the inflatable airbag is detachably connected to the end of the flexible pipe, which facilitates the subsequent drive component to drive the variable diameter grinding head to rotate.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic grinding ball is detachably connected to the end of the flexible pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct also includes a driving component; after the inflatable airbag inflates the elastic grinding ball, the shut-off valve is closed and the flexible pipe connected to the inflatable airbag is disconnected. The output end of the driving component is connected to a stepped conical connector at one end of the shut-off valve, driving the shut-off valve, the flexible pipe, and the variable-diameter grinding head connected to the end of the flexible pipe to rotate.

[0015] Furthermore, the abrasive layer is detachably connected to the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball. Operators can quickly change the abrasive layer of different grit sizes according to different grinding processes, such as rough grinding, fine polishing, or different aerospace guide materials, without having to replace the entire variable diameter grinding head, reducing operating costs and improving operational flexibility.

[0016] Furthermore, the flexible conduit is a steel wire mesh reinforced rubber hose, which ensures reliable power transmission while also ensuring the passage of tools in aviation conduits.

[0017] Furthermore, the elastic grinding ball is an olive-shaped elastic rubber grinding ball, and its diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the aviation duct when it is not inflated. This significantly improves the passability of the elastic grinding ball within the aviation duct, reduces propulsion resistance, avoids scratching the inner wall of the aviation duct, and ensures that the grinding process can proceed smoothly and quickly to the depths of the aviation duct, thereby improving work efficiency and quality.

[0018] Furthermore, the abrasive layer is strip-shaped sandpaper.

[0019] The process of using a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct in this invention is as follows:

[0020] Step 1: Insert the flexible probe of the flexible endoscope into the curved aviation duct to check the quality of the inner surface, where there may be defects or foreign objects.

[0021] Step 2: Insert the uninflated, naturally positioned variable diameter grinding head into the curved aviation duct from one end. Since the inner diameter of the variable diameter grinding head is smaller than that of the aviation duct when it is uninflated and naturally positioned, the grinding head will pass through the curved section of the aviation duct slowly and will not scratch the inner wall of the curved section of the duct.

[0022] Step 3: Insert the flexible probe of the flexible endoscope into the curved aviation conduit from the other end port to observe the position of the variable diameter grinding head;

[0023] Step 4: When the maximum outer diameter of the variable diameter grinding head reaches the defect or foreign matter on the inner wall of the aviation duct; open the shut-off valve, press the inflation bladder, and inflate the elastic grinding ball; use the soft probe of the flexible endoscope to observe the gradual deformation of the elastic grinding ball until the abrasive layer contacts the defect or foreign matter on the inner wall of the aviation duct. Gently pull the flexible grinding tool on the inner wall of the aviation duct by hand. When the variable diameter grinding head does not loosen, remove the endoscope.

[0024] Step 5: Close the shut-off valve and disconnect the flexible pipe connected to the inflatable airbag; using a hand drill bit, clamp the cylindrical surface of the stepped conical connector of the shut-off valve, and start the hand drill. The torque generated by the hand drill is transmitted through the flexible pipe to the reducing grinding head, driving the reducing grinding head to rotate, thereby repairing and removing defects and excess material from the inner wall of the conduit. During use, strips of sandpaper with different grits can be selected and attached to the elastic grinding ball according to the size and depth of the defects or excess material on the inner wall of the aviation conduit.

[0025] Step 6: Open the shut-off valve, and the variable-diameter grinding head retracts and returns to its natural state. Use the flexible probe of the flexible endoscope to observe the repair and removal of defects or foreign matter on the inner wall of the aviation duct. When the defects or foreign matter on the inner wall of the aviation duct are completely repaired or removed, slowly withdraw the variable-diameter grinding head from the aviation duct. When the defects or foreign matter on the inner wall of the aviation duct are not completely repaired or removed, disassemble the electric drill, and attach the inflatable airbag to the other stepped conical connector of the shut-off valve through a flexible pipe, and fix it with a clamp. Press the inflatable airbag again to inflate the elastic grinding ball. After inflation is complete, close the shut-off valve, remove the inflatable airbag, and use the electric drill again to drive the variable-diameter grinding head to grind again until the defects or foreign matter on the inner wall of the duct are completely repaired or removed. Then, slowly withdraw the variable-diameter grinding head from the duct to complete the repair of defects on the inner surface of the aviation duct.

[0026] Compared to existing rigid grinding tools, the advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. The present invention provides a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct. By setting a flexible pipe, the variable diameter grinding head can not only reach any part of the curved aviation duct with inner wall defects or excess material, achieving comprehensive grinding of the inner wall of the curved section of the aviation duct, but also transmit torque to enable the drive component to rotate the elastic grinding ball to repair the inner surface defects of the aviation duct. This solves the problems of poor accessibility, inability to adapt to curved ducts, uneven grinding, and low efficiency of existing rigid grinding tools, directly improving grinding quality and production efficiency, and reducing scrap rate.

[0028] 2. The present invention provides a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct. The diameter of the variable-diameter grinding head is smaller than the inner diameter of the aviation duct in its natural state. During the process of entering the aviation duct and reaching the inner wall defects or excess materials, it will not scratch the inner wall of the aviation duct. When repairing the inner surface defects of the aviation duct, the inflatable airbag inflates the variable-diameter grinding head, so that the abrasive layer comes into contact with the inner surface defects of the aviation duct, which facilitates the repair. The variable-diameter grinding head has radial expansion capability, which makes it highly adaptable to grinding aviation ducts with different bending radii and complex welding of aviation ducts, and also greatly reduces the complexity of grinding tools. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a variable diameter grinding head.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of excess material or defects on the inner wall of an aviation duct.

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct extending into the aviation duct in its natural state.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a variable diameter grinding head bending inside an aviation duct in its natural state.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a variable diameter grinding head in its natural state, near a defect or excess material inside an aviation guide tube.

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a variable-diameter grinding head after being inflated and coming into contact with a defect or excess material.

[0036] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a structure for grinding defects or excess material with a hand drill.

[0037] Among them, 1. Flexible pipe; 2. Variable diameter grinding head; 201. Elastic grinding ball; 202. Abrasive layer; 203. Redundant deformation amount; 3. Inflatable airbag; 4. Shut-off valve; 5. Drive component; 6. Clamp; 7. Inner surface defect; 8. Aviation duct. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct is provided, which mainly includes a flexible pipe 1, a variable diameter grinding head 2, an inflatable airbag 3, a shut-off valve 4, and a driving component 5.

[0040] The flexible pipe 1 is preferably made of steel wire mesh reinforced rubber hose, which has good flexibility and torque transmission capability, ensuring reliable power transmission while ensuring the passage of tools in the aviation conduit 8.

[0041] The variable-diameter grinding head 2 is located at one end of the flexible pipe 1. Its core is an elastic grinding ball 201 that communicates with the interior of the flexible pipe 1. This elastic grinding ball 201 is preferably an olive-shaped elastic rubber ball. When uninflated, the diameter of the elastic grinding ball 201 is smaller than the inner diameter of the aviation duct 8. This significantly improves the passage of the elastic grinding ball 201 within the aviation duct 8, reduces propulsion resistance, avoids scratching the inner wall of the aviation duct 8, and ensures that the grinding process can proceed smoothly and quickly to the depths of the aviation duct 8, thereby improving operational efficiency and quality.

[0042] Specifically, the elastic grinding ball 201 is connected to the flexible pipe 1 by adhesive bonding or injection vulcanization. The connection between the elastic grinding ball 201 and the flexible pipe 1 is reliable and can withstand a certain amount of gas pressure and torsional force.

[0043] An abrasive layer 202 is provided on the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball 201. The abrasive layer 202 is provided with redundant deformation capacity. The inflatable airbag 3 inflates the elastic grinding ball 201 through the flexible pipe 1, causing the elastic grinding ball 201 to expand and expand, thus stretching the abrasive layer 202 and allowing it to conform to the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball 201. By using the inflatable airbag 3 to expand the elastic grinding ball 201, it can actively adapt to aviation ducts 8 with different inner diameters and allow the abrasive layer 202 to fit tightly against the inner wall. This "pressure self-adaptive" method is simpler, more reliable, and easier to miniaturize than a mechanical expansion structure.

[0044] Preferably, the abrasive layer 202 is detachably connected to the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball 201. Operators can quickly change the abrasive layer 202 to different grit sizes according to different grinding processes, such as rough grinding, fine polishing, or different aerospace conduit materials 8, without having to replace the entire variable-diameter grinding head 2, reducing operating costs and improving operational flexibility. In this embodiment, the abrasive layer 202 is made of strip-shaped sandpaper and is attached to the ball surface in a detachable manner, such as with Velcro or a specific adhesive. The abrasive layer 202 itself is provided with redundant deformation allowance 203 to ensure that it can be fully stretched without tearing when the ball expands.

[0045] The inflatable airbag 3 is detachably connected to the other end of the flexible pipe 1 to provide an air source.

[0046] A shut-off valve 4 is installed in the middle of the flexible pipe 1 to control the opening and closing of the gas path. The two ends of the shut-off valve 4 are connected to the flexible pipe 1 through stepped conical joints and are fastened with clamps 6 to ensure reliable connection and easy disassembly and assembly.

[0047] The working process of this invention is as follows, and in conjunction with... Figures 3 to 8 Explanation:

[0048] Step 1, Endoscopic examination: such as Figure 3 As shown, the flexible probe of the flexible endoscope is inserted into the curved aviation conduit 8 to check the quality of the inner surface, where there may be defects or foreign matter.

[0049] Step 2: Feed in the polishing tool: such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the variable-diameter grinding head 2 is slowly inserted into one end of the conduit in its uninflated, natural state (when its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the conduit). Due to its small size and flexibility, it can easily pass through the curved sections of the conduit without scratching the inner wall of the conduit, solving the industry problem of rigid tools being unable to reach curved areas.

[0050] Step 3, Location: such as Figure 6As shown, the endoscope is inserted again through the other end of the aviation conduit 8 to observe the position of the variable diameter grinding head 2.

[0051] Step 4, Inflation: When the maximum outer diameter of the variable-diameter grinding head 2 reaches the defect or excess material on the inner wall of the aviation guide tube 8, stop pushing. Open the shut-off valve 4 and repeatedly press the inflation bladder 3; gas will then be injected into the elastic grinding ball 201 through the flexible pipe 1. Figure 7 As shown, the elastic abrasive ball 201 begins to expand, stretching the outer abrasive layer 202 until the abrasive layer 202 is tightly adhered to the defect on the inner wall of the conduit. Gently pull the flexible abrasive tool on the inner wall of the aviation conduit 8 by hand. When the variable-diameter abrasive head 2 does not loosen, withdraw the endoscope.

[0052] Step 5: Connect the drive components and polish them: such as Figure 8 As shown, the inflatable airbag 3 is detached from the flexible pipe 1. The output end of the drive unit 5 (a common electric drill in this embodiment) is connected and clamped to the stepped conical connector at one end of the shut-off valve 4. The electric drill is started, and the torque it generates is transmitted to the variable-diameter grinding head 2 through the flexible pipe 1, causing it to rotate and thus grind and repair defects on the inner wall of the conduit. During this process, different grit strips of sandpaper can be selected as the abrasive layer 202 according to the severity of the defect to meet the needs of coarse grinding or fine polishing.

[0053] Step 6, Inspection and Finishing: After grinding, open the shut-off valve 4 to release air. Opening the shut-off valve 4 will cause the variable diameter grinding head 2 to retract and return to its natural state. Use the soft probe of the flexible endoscope to observe the repair and removal of defects or excess materials on the inner wall of the aviation duct 8. When the defects or excess materials on the inner wall of the aviation duct 8 are completely repaired or removed, slowly withdraw the variable diameter grinding head 2 from the aviation duct 8. When the defects or excess materials on the inner wall of the aviation duct 8 are not completely repaired or removed, disassemble the electric drill, and install the inflatable airbag 3 through the flexible pipe 1 onto another stepped conical connector of the shut-off valve 4, and fix it with the clamp 6. Press the inflatable airbag 3 again to inflate the elastic grinding ball 201. After inflation is complete, close the shut-off valve 4, remove the inflatable airbag 3, and use the electric drill again to drive the variable diameter grinding head 2 to grind again until the defects or excess materials on the inner wall of the duct are completely repaired or removed. Then, slowly withdraw the variable diameter grinding head 2 from the duct to complete the repair of the inner surface defect 7 of the aviation duct 8.

[0054] During the above-mentioned work process, the flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of the aviation duct adopts the "inflation and drive separation" operation mode, that is, after inflation, the air bag is disassembled and then connected to the electric drill, which avoids the safety risks caused by the interference between the high-pressure gas pipeline and the rotating parts, making the operation safer and more ergonomic.

[0055] In summary, the flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of aviation ducts of the present invention, through its ingenious pneumatic diameter-changing design and modular structure, effectively solves the problems of adaptability, accessibility and operational safety in grinding the inner wall of aviation ducts 8, and is a highly efficient, reliable and economical special tool.

Claims

1. A flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of an aviation duct, characterized in that, The device includes a flexible pipe, one end of which is equipped with a variable-diameter grinding head, and the other end with an inflatable airbag. The variable-diameter grinding head includes an elastic grinding ball connected to the flexible pipe. An abrasive layer is provided on the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball, and the abrasive layer has redundant deformation. The inflatable airbag inflates the elastic grinding ball through the flexible pipe, causing the elastic grinding ball to expand and expand, thus allowing the abrasive layer to conform to the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball. A shut-off valve is installed in the middle of the flexible pipe, and the stepped conical joints at both ends of the shut-off valve are detachably connected to the flexible pipe by clamps. The inflatable airbag is detachably connected to the end of the flexible tube; The elastic grinding ball is detachably connected to the end of the flexible pipe; It also includes a drive unit; after the inflatable airbag inflates the elastic grinding ball, the shut-off valve is closed and the flexible pipe connected to the inflatable airbag is disconnected. The output end of the drive unit is connected to the stepped conical joint at one end of the shut-off valve, driving the shut-off valve, the flexible pipe and the variable diameter grinding head connected to the end of the flexible pipe to rotate. The abrasive layer is detachably connected to the outer contour grinding surface of the elastic grinding ball; The flexible pipe is a steel wire mesh reinforced rubber hose; The elastic grinding ball is an olive-shaped elastic rubber grinding ball. When the elastic grinding ball is not inflated, its diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the aviation duct.

2. The flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of aviation ducts according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abrasive layer is a strip of sandpaper.

3. The flexible grinding tool for the inner wall of aviation ducts according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component is an electric drill.

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