A device for measuring the expansion of an aeroengine
By using a portable measuring device and a linear displacement sensor with a strong magnetic attraction structure and high-temperature resistant materials, the problem of sensor installation and adjustment in the measurement of aero-engine expansion has been solved, achieving stable measurement and convenient operation in high-temperature environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGXI ZHONGFA TIANXIN AERO ENGINE TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images

Figure CN224398626U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aero-engine testing technology, and in particular to a portable device for measuring the thermal expansion of an aero-engine. Background Technology
[0002] As the core power unit of an aircraft, the development and verification of an aero-engine requires extensive testing. During the testing process, accurately measuring the axial and circumferential expansion of the engine due to heat under high-temperature operating conditions is of paramount importance for aspects such as engine nacelle design and nozzle length optimization.
[0003] Currently, the conventional method for measuring the expansion of aero-engines involves installing multiple linear displacement sensors at specific measuring points (such as flanges). These sensors are typically fixed to specially made tooling or nearby mounting points using screws and nuts, and their positions are adjusted by changing the mounting holes or slots to ensure the sensor probes have appropriate compression. However, fixing existing linear displacement sensors requires drilling holes at the mounting points. If improper probe compression is found after installation, the tooling must be refitted or new holes drilled, making adjustment difficult. This is especially problematic in environments with dense piping and cabling around the engine, where operating space is extremely limited, further complicating installation and adjustment. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a portable device for measuring the expansion of an aero-engine, thereby solving the technical problem of the inconvenience of installing and adjusting traditional linear displacement sensors.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine, the portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine comprising:
[0006] A portable housing, wherein a cable storage box is provided inside the portable housing, and a cable spool that can automatically rotate and retract is provided inside the cable storage box;
[0007] A power module, wherein the power module is disposed within the portable housing;
[0008] A multi-channel data acquisition module is disposed within the housing;
[0009] At least one linear displacement sensor unit, the linear displacement sensor unit including a sensor body, a sensor sensing head and a connecting cable; the connecting cable is stored and wound on the spool of the cable storage box; the bottom of the sensor body is provided with a strong magnetic attraction structure for adsorbing and fixing the sensor body to the metal surface to be measured;
[0010] The linear displacement sensor is electrically connected to the multi-channel data acquisition module and the power supply module via a cable.
[0011] In one embodiment, the sensor body and the sensor head are made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material.
[0012] In one embodiment, the outer layer of the connecting cable is a high-temperature resistant fluorosilicone rubber protective layer, and a high-temperature glass fiber layer is filled between the sensor harness and the fluorosilicone rubber protective layer.
[0013] In one embodiment, a device power switch is further included, which is disposed on the portable housing and connected to the circuit where the power module is located.
[0014] In one embodiment, a data storage device is further included, which is mounted on the portable housing, and the communication interface of the data storage device is electrically connected to the data output port of the multi-channel data acquisition module via a wire.
[0015] In one embodiment, a serial port converter is further included. The data storage is mounted on the portable housing, and the serial port converter is electrically connected to the data output port of the multi-channel data acquisition module via a wire.
[0016] In one embodiment, the power module includes a transformer, a rectifier, a filter, and a regulated power supply connected in series.
[0017] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a handle.
[0018] The above-described technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model have at least the following technical effects or advantages:
[0019] The portable device for measuring the expansion of an aero-engine provided in this embodiment of the invention replaces the traditional drilling and screw fixing method by setting a strong magnetic attraction structure at the bottom of the sensor body for adsorbing and fixing the sensor body to the metal surface to be measured. The sensor can be directly adsorbed on the metal surface to be measured, making the installation and position adjustment of the linear displacement sensor unit convenient and quick.
[0020] In addition, the sensor body, sensor head, and connecting cables are all made of special high-temperature resistant materials (such as ceramics, fluorosilicone rubber, glass fiber, etc.), ensuring that the sensor can work stably and continuously in extreme temperature environments up to 600°C.
[0021] In addition, each sensor is equipped with an automatic retractable cable storage box. The cable can be pulled out as needed, and after use, it can be automatically retracted by the automatic rotation and retraction of the spool. This effectively avoids cable dragging, tangling and mess, making the test site neat and orderly and reducing safety hazards.
[0022] Finally, this device integrates multiple modules such as power supply, data acquisition, storage, and transmission, and features a handle for enhanced portability. It supports real-time monitoring via a host computer and also allows for flexible offline data storage, reducing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0024] Figure 1 Logic circuit diagram for a portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine;
[0025] Figure 2 A flowchart of the components of a portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine;
[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the external appearance of a portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine.
[0027] The labels for the various figures are as follows:
[0028] 1. Transformer; 2. Rectifier; 3. Filter; 4. Regulated power supply; 5. Multi-channel data acquisition module; 6. Cable management box; 7. Sensor body; 8. Sensor sensing head; 9. Serial port to Ethernet converter; 10. Data storage device; 11. 220V AC socket; 12. Equipment power switch; 13. Bollard; 14. Handle. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0032] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine. The device is mainly integrated into a portable case with a handle 14, which is convenient for staff to carry and transport.
[0034] The power supply module consists of a 220V AC socket 11, a transformer 1, a rectifier 2, a filter 3, and a regulated power supply 4. External 220V AC power is input through the socket, and then sequentially undergoes step-down, rectification, filtering, and regulation to finally output a stable 24V DC voltage, providing reliable power to all electronic components within the device, including the data acquisition module and the linear displacement sensor.
[0035] The core measuring component of this device consists of multiple linear displacement sensor units (specifically, the eight shown in the attached diagram). Each unit includes a sensor body 7 and a sensor head 8. To withstand the high-temperature environment of the engine, both the sensor body 7 and the sensor head are made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material, enabling stable operation at temperatures up to 600°C. The bottom of the sensor body 7 is designed with a strong magnetic attraction structure, allowing it to be easily and firmly attached to the engine's metal casing or the flange to be measured without the need for drilling.
[0036] Optionally, the strong magnetic attraction structure integrates a powerful magnetic base with a mechanical locking mechanism, comprising a magnet section and a locking section. The magnet section consists of multiple high-strength permanent magnets (such as neodymium iron boron magnets) embedded in the sensor base, and can be designed with a flat contact surface to ensure maximum attraction force. The locking section consists of a small mechanical lock, spring clip, or safety buckle. Once the sensor is attracted to the target location via the magnet section, the locking section can fasten to the edge of a nearby structural component, a protrusion, or a specially designed base to prevent the sensor from shifting or falling off due to severe vibration, providing double protection.
[0037] Each sensor body 7 is connected to the multi-channel data acquisition module 5 inside the enclosure via a specially designed high-temperature resistant cable. The outer layer of the cable is wrapped with high-temperature and oil-resistant fluorosilicone rubber material, and a high-temperature glass fiber layer is filled between the sensor harness and the fluorosilicone rubber protective layer, forming a double high-temperature protection.
[0038] To address cable management issues, each sensor cable is connected to a cable storage box 6. This cable storage box 6 has a built-in retractable spool 13 that rotates automatically. When in use, the sensor cable and sensor can be smoothly pulled out of the box (up to 3 meters). After use, the sensor cable can automatically retract into the cable storage box 6, keeping the site tidy.
[0039] Optionally, the spool 13 is rotatably mounted on the portable housing, and a torsion spring is provided on the spool 13. When the linear displacement sensor is taken out for use, the sensor cable is pulled out from the cable storage box 6. Since the sensor cable is pre-wound onto the spool 13, the process of pulling out the sensor cable causes the spool 13 to rotate in the forward direction, thereby compressing the torsion spring on the spool 13, and the torsion spring accumulates elastic potential energy. When the linear displacement sensor is no longer in use, after the linear displacement sensor is removed from the detection position, the torsion spring rebounds under the action of elastic potential energy, and causes the spool 13 to rotate in the reverse direction, thereby rewinding the sensor cable onto the spool 13, thus realizing the automatic retraction of the sensor cable into the cable storage box 6, keeping the site tidy.
[0040] In terms of data processing, the sensor head 8 converts the measured displacement changes into electrical signals, which are then transmitted via cable to the multi-channel data acquisition module 5 (8 channels shown in the attached diagram). The multi-channel data acquisition module 5 is responsible for collecting and processing data from all linear displacement sensors. The processed data can be managed in two ways: first, via a serial-to-network converter 9, the data is sent in real-time to a host computer as a network signal for engineers to monitor and analyze in real time; second, the data can be stored in the device's built-in data storage 10. This data storage 10 can permanently store the data. After the experiment, staff can connect to a computer via USB or other means to access and download the stored data records for subsequent analysis.
[0041] One of the key features of this device is its ease of operation. Once all sensors are in place as needed, simply press the power switch 12. The device will automatically execute the zeroing calibration procedure for all sensors upon startup, directly outputting the subsequent displacement change, eliminating the tedious step of manual zeroing.
[0042] The usage process is as follows:
[0043] 1. Preparation stage: Check the integrity of the device and accessories, and take out the corresponding number of linear displacement sensors from the cable storage box 6 according to the measurement requirements.
[0044] 2. Installation: Directly attach each sensor body 7 to the point to be measured on the engine, ensuring good contact between the sensor head and the measuring surface.
[0045] 3. Startup and Calibration: Connect the device to the 220V AC socket 11 and press the device power switch 12 to start the device. After startup, the device will automatically complete the sensor zeroing calibration. At this time, you can connect to a host computer via network cable for real-time data monitoring, or allow the device to record data independently.
[0046] 4. Measurement and Analysis: During the engine test, the device continuously records the expansion data. After the test, the data can be exported from the host computer or the device's internal data storage 10 for analysis.
[0047] 5. Storage: After the test is completed, remove the sensor from the object under test, and the sensor cable will automatically retract into the cable storage box 6, making it convenient and quick to organize.
[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine, characterized in that, The portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine includes: A portable housing, wherein a cable storage box is provided inside the portable housing, and a cable spool that can automatically rotate and retract is provided inside the cable storage box; A power module, wherein the power module is disposed within the portable housing; A multi-channel data acquisition module is disposed within the housing; At least one linear displacement sensor unit, the linear displacement sensor unit including a sensor body, a sensor sensing head and a connecting cable; the connecting cable is stored and wound on the spool of the cable storage box; the bottom of the sensor body is provided with a strong magnetic attraction structure for adsorbing and fixing the sensor body to the metal surface to be measured; The linear displacement sensor is electrically connected to the multi-channel data acquisition module and the power supply module via a cable.
2. The portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor body and the sensor head are made of high-temperature resistant ceramic material.
3. The portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer layer of the connecting cable is a high-temperature resistant fluorosilicone rubber protective layer, and a high-temperature glass fiber layer is filled between the sensor harness and the fluorosilicone rubber protective layer.
4. The portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a device power switch, which is disposed on the portable housing and connected to the circuit where the power module is located.
5. The portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a data storage device, which is mounted on the portable housing, and the communication interface of the data storage device is electrically connected to the data output port of the multi-channel data acquisition module via a wire.
6. A portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a serial port network converter, the data storage is installed on the portable housing, and the serial port network converter is electrically connected to the data output port of the multi-channel data acquisition module via wires.
7. The portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power module includes a transformer, a rectifier, a filter, and a regulated power supply connected in series.
8. A portable device for measuring the expansion of an aircraft engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a handle.