Acoustic Panel Mesh Repair via Mechanical Backlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic panels in gas turbine engines face adhesive failure, leading to delamination and potential mesh loss, requiring costly and time-consuming repairs that may necessitate taking aircraft out of service for adhesive curing, and risk occluding mesh openings.
Innovation Solution
A method and tool for forcing and deforming the mesh through apertures in the acoustic panel, allowing it to protrude and backlock against the second face, preventing further delamination and damage, which can be performed in situ on the engine without the need for adhesive curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to resecure delaminated mesh, then the mesh is secured to the face sheet, but the mesh openings are occluded and the engine must be taken out of service for curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive system with a mechanical fastening system. The mesh is secured by deforming it to backlock against the face sheet through the apertures, eliminating the need for adhesive curing and allowing immediate engine operation while maintaining mesh security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adhesive from the repair process entirely, removing the problematic element that caused both mesh occlusion and engine downtime. The mechanical deformation method secures the mesh without any adhesive material
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to resecure delaminated mesh, then the mesh is secured to the face sheet, but the mesh openings are occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based mechanical system with a pure mechanical deformation system. The mesh is secured through physical backlocking by deforming it against the face sheet, eliminating adhesive occlusion of mesh openings while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local deformation at specific aperture locations to secure the mesh. The mesh is deformed only where needed to backlock against the face sheet, maintaining open mesh openings in all other areas while achieving localized security
3Reliability
If adhesive resecuring is performed, then delaminated mesh is secured, but the engine must be taken out of service for sufficient time to cure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-dependent chemical curing process with an immediate mechanical fastening process. The mesh deformation and backlocking occur instantly without curing time, eliminating downtime and allowing immediate engine operation while securing the mesh
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the securing action completely before any operational use. The mesh is deformed and backlocked in place during maintenance, creating an immediate mechanical lock that requires no subsequent curing time or operational waiting period
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
Facilitates quick and effective repair of delaminated acoustic panels without occluding mesh openings, allowing the engine to remain operational and reducing downtime, while also providing a secure solution for delamination and damage sites.
Implementation Method 1
retraction of the shaft from the extended position to the retracted position laterally expands the deformable member and deforms a portion of the mesh protruding through the aperture into a backlocking engagement with the second face
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for processing an acoustic panel (22), the panel comprises: a sheet (42) having a first face (44), a second face (46), and apertures (48) open to the first face and second face; and a mesh (60) along the first face. The method comprises forcing the mesh into a plurality of the apertures.