Airfoil Inspection Support Bed With Index Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting airfoil blades in gas turbine engines, such as using modeling clay for precise positioning, are cumbersome and require iterative processes due to limited depth-of-field in micro-photography, necessitating repeated shaping and repositioning.
Innovation Solution
An inspection support apparatus with a support bed and platform base, featuring index surfaces and an adjustable linkage system that allows precise three-dimensional positioning of airfoil blades using a hinge and rotatable connection member, enabling accurate and stable placement for inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If modeling clay is used to hold the airfoil for microphotography, then the airfoil can be positioned, but the process requires extensive iterative shaping and repositioning due to limited depth-of-field
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil is pre-positioned on the support bed using index surfaces that define precise locations before the inspection process begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for iterative shaping and repositioning during inspection, as the airfoil is already at the correct location and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bed with index surfaces acts as an intermediary between the airfoil and the microphotography apparatus. The index surfaces provide reference points that facilitate accurate positioning without requiring direct manual manipulation of the airfoil or clay shaping, thus reducing inspection time while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airfoil is held by modeling clay, then positioning is achieved, but repositioning requires repeating the entire shaping and positioning process
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into independent components: the support bed with index surfaces, the airfoil with reference features, and the microphotography apparatus. This segmentation allows the airfoil to be easily removed and repositioned on the same support bed without affecting the overall system configuration, enabling rapid repositioning while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The index surfaces on the support bed and reference features on the airfoil create a self-aligning system. When the airfoil is placed on the support bed, the reference features automatically engage with the index surfaces, providing self-service positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or extensive operator intervention.
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning is required for microphotography, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the process becomes extensive and iterative
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of shaping clay and positioning the airfoil is replaced by a fixture-based system using index surfaces and reference features. This substitution eliminates the iterative mechanical adjustment process while maintaining high positioning accuracy, thereby improving inspection efficiency without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of positioning from a continuous adjustment process (shaping and repositioning clay) to a discrete, predefined positioning method using index surfaces and reference features. This parameter change allows precise positioning to be achieved in a single step rather than through extensive iteration, improving productivity while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection support apparatus comprises a support bed and a platform base wherein the support bed includes spaced first and second index surfaces adapted to support first and second portions, respectively, of an airfoil in fixed positions relative to the support bed. An adjustment apparatus is coupled to the support bed and the platform base and is adapted to establish a desired fixed positional relationship between the support bed and the platform base in three dimensions.