Aircraft Engine Cleaning Mobile Supply Unit Pneumatic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft engine cleaning processes are inefficient due to the need for time-consuming disconnection of systems and limitations of engine starters, leading to extended cleaning cycles and potential deferral or cancellation of maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile supply unit with a cleaning air supply and pneumatic coupling system that allows for continuous dry motoring of gas turbine engines during cleaning, automatically controlling air and cleaning agent flow to prevent contamination and extend cleaning cycles beyond the capacity of standard engine starters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the engine starter is used to dry motor the engine during cleaning, then the engine can be rotated to draw water over internal components, but the starter must be rested after a few minutes of constant operation to avoid overheating, extending the cleaning cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
A pneumatic coupling system acts as an intermediary between the engine core and the air supply system. This coupling system includes a cleaning valve that can be opened to allow cleaning agent and air to enter the engine core directly, bypassing the need for the engine starter during cleaning operations. The pneumatic coupling enables continuous air supply for extended cleaning cycles without subjecting the starter to prolonged operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning air supply and pneumatic coupling system extracts the function of rotating the engine during cleaning from the engine starter. By providing a dedicated air supply path through the pneumatic coupling system, the starter is removed from the cleaning process entirely, allowing it to remain idle while the cleaning operation proceeds continuously.
2Reliability
If water or cleaning agent is introduced into the engine for cleaning, then internal components can be cleaned, but dirty water may escape into other aircraft systems such as air supply systems, fuel manifold systems, and controller systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic coupling system serves as an intermediary barrier between the cleaning agent introduction point and the aircraft's internal systems. The cleaning valve within this coupling system controls the flow of cleaning agent and air, ensuring that cleaning fluids are directed only to the engine core and not into other aircraft systems. This intermediary mechanism protects sensitive systems from contamination while maintaining a relatively simple operational procedure.
3Reliability
If multiple disconnection steps are performed to protect aircraft systems during cleaning, then contamination of other systems can be prevented, but the cleaning process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic coupling system consolidates multiple protection functions into a single intermediary device. By opening the cleaning valve in this coupling system, the operator simultaneously achieves protection of the air supply system, fuel manifold system, anti-ice system, pressure regulation system, and controller system from cleaning agent contamination. This eliminates the need for multiple separate disconnection steps while maintaining comprehensive system protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic coupling system performs multiple protective functions simultaneously. A single valve mechanism protects against contamination of various aircraft systems (air supply, fuel manifold, anti-ice, pressure regulation, and controller systems) that would otherwise require individual disconnection steps. This multi-functional approach simplifies the cleaning operation while ensuring comprehensive system protection.
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
The solution enables longer, more efficient cleaning cycles without overheating engine starters, reducing overall maintenance time and preventing contamination of aircraft systems, thus making engine cleaning more feasible and reducing operational delays.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning air supply is sized to provide enough compressed air to constantly dry motor the gas turbine engine for a predetermined cleaning cycle
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning system for performing a cleaning cycle on a turbine engine mounted to an airframe includes a mobile supply unit. The mobile supply unit includes a cleaning agent supply that introduces cleaning agent into the turbine engine. The aircraft includes at least one valve configured to block cleaning agent from moving from the turbine engine into a passenger cabin of the aircraft.