Accelerometer Shaft Shear Detection in Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for detecting shaft shear events in turbine engines are slow and unreliable, requiring significant time to detect the event, which can lead to further engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an accelerometer coupled to the engine to detect axial acceleration indicative of a shaft shear event, coupled with a control system that transmits a signal to initiate a fuel system shutdown, allowing for rapid detection and prevention of further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional speed change detection or mechanical triggering systems are used to detect shaft shear events, then the detection mechanism is relatively simple to implement, but the detection time is significantly delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical triggering systems or speed-based detection methods with an accelerometer-based detection system. The accelerometer directly measures axial acceleration forces caused by shaft shear events, eliminating the need for complex mechanical triggers or speed change calculations. This substitution enables immediate detection of shaft shear events through direct physical measurement, significantly reducing detection time while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical triggering systems are used for shaft shear detection, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the detection reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable mechanical triggering systems with an electronic accelerometer-based detection system. The accelerometer provides direct measurement of axial acceleration forces with high reliability, eliminating the shortcomings of mechanical system delays and failures. The electronic system processes acceleration signals through a control system that can immediately respond to detected events, achieving high reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rapid detection of shaft shear events is achieved, then further engine damage is prevented, but the detection system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves rapid detection and prevention of engine damage by replacing complex mechanical triggering systems with a straightforward accelerometer-based electronic detection system. The accelerometer directly measures the axial acceleration signature of shaft shear events, and the control system processes this signal to immediately initiate protective actions. This approach minimizes detection time to prevent further engine damage while keeping the system relatively simple through electronic rather than mechanical implementation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and reliable detection of shaft shear events, reducing the risk of engine damage by immediately shutting down the fuel system, and providing a simpler, more cost-effective solution compared to conventional mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer coupled to the engine for detecting an axial acceleration indicative of a shaft shear event in the engine
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting a shaft shear event in a turbine engine. An accelerometer coupled to the engine detects an axial acceleration indicative of a shaft shear event in the engine. A control system is configured to, in response to the detected axial acceleration, transmit a signal to initiate a shut down of a fuel system of the engine.