Embedded Optical Probe for Between-Vane Fan Blade Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Visual inspection of turbine engine fan blades is costly and time-intensive, requiring specially trained technicians.
Innovation Solution
An optical inspection system with a probe body and optical device is integrated into the inlet air flow path of a turbine engine, utilizing a lens and camera configuration to capture images of fan blades between inlet guide vanes, with a remote camera and optical path, and a controller to assess blade conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual inspection methods are used for fan blades, then inspection can be performed, but it is costly and time intensive requiring specially trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical inspection system that uses a camera, lens, and illumination device mounted on a probe body. This substitution eliminates the need for specially trained technicians while maintaining inspection capability, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the fan blade surface conditions through the use of a camera and lens system. This copying mechanism allows for automated analysis of blade conditions without requiring direct human observation, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through digital processing.
2Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is performed, then fan blade conditions can be assessed, but it requires specially trained technicians and is time intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual assessment with an automated optical imaging system that captures digital images of fan blades. This replacement maintains measurement precision through controlled illumination and focused optics while dramatically reducing inspection time by eliminating manual observation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical inspection system enables continuous monitoring of fan blades during engine operation without interrupting the engine cycle. The probe can be inserted and removed repeatedly, allowing ongoing inspection activity that maintains precision while eliminating the time loss associated with manual inspection schedules.
3Extent of automation
If an optical inspection system is integrated into the inlet air flow path, then automated inspection is enabled, but the probe body and optical components must be positioned precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The probe body is designed as a multi-functional component that integrates the camera, lens, illumination device, and positioning mechanisms into a single unit. This universal design simplifies manufacturing by consolidating multiple functions into one assembly rather than requiring separate components, thereby facilitating automated inspection while managing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components (camera, lens, illumination device) are nested within the probe body structure, with each component positioned in a dedicated compartment or mounting structure. This nesting approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing modular assembly of components within the probe body, making the integration process more manageable despite the precision requirements.
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 efficient, automated inspection of fan blades without manual intervention, reducing costs and time, while ensuring structural integrity assessment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device that is at least partially disposed within the probe body with a field of view directed between at least two of the inlet guide vanes
Implementation Method 2
The optical path includes an optical fiber between the lens and the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine includes an inlet guide vane assembly that includes a plurality of inlet guide vanes that are disposed forward of the fan. An optical inspection system includes a probe body that extends into the inlet air flow path upstream of the inlet guide vane assembly. The optical inspection system includes an optical device that is at least partially disposed within the probe body with a field of view directed between at least two of the inlet guide vanes of the plurality of fan blades.