Blade Geometry Characterization Tool for Predictive Whirl Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing aircraft blade geometry during manufacturing or repair are costly due to the need for 'late process' adjustments after flight testing, which can be time-consuming and expensive, as they do not allow for predictive whirl performance analysis.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising two components attached to the blade root and tip, utilizing optical elements and planar surfaces to measure sweep, twist, and chord length at multiple stations along the blade span, enabling cooperative optical characterization of blade geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blade geometry is measured using traditional methods during late process adjustments, then flight testing can be performed, but the process is expensive and time-consuming due to lost flight time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring blade geometry characteristics (sweep, twist, chord length) during early process manufacturing or repair, before flight testing. This allows whirl performance to be predicted in advance, eliminating the need for expensive late process adjustments and lost flight time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods with optical characterization systems. The optical system uses light-based measurements to precisely determine blade geometry parameters, providing accurate data for performance prediction without requiring physical trial-and-error testing.
2Loss of information
If blade geometry is measured during early process manufacturing, then predictive whirl performance analysis becomes possible, but requires sophisticated measurement tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement tool that can characterize multiple blade geometry parameters (sweep, twist, chord length) at multiple stations along the blade span. This multi-functional device consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate measurement systems, reducing overall complexity while providing comprehensive geometric characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized measurement tool as an intermediary between the blade and the analysis system. This tool captures geometric data and translates it into meaningful whirl performance predictions, bridging the gap between physical blade characteristics and performance analysis.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional adjustment features are used to compensate for manufacturing variations, then interchangeability is achieved, but late process adjustments are required which increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures and characterizes blade geometry during early manufacturing, allowing performance issues to be identified and corrected before final assembly and flight testing. This preliminary characterization eliminates the need for costly late process adjustments while maintaining interchangeability through precise geometric control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measured blade geometry data is used to predict whirl performance and guide manufacturing adjustments. This closed-loop approach ensures that blades meet performance specifications before leaving the manufacturing process, reducing the need for field adjustments.
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 predictive analysis of blade performance during 'early process' manufacturing or repair, reducing the need for costly 'late process' adjustments and simplifying the characterization process.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element includes at least one of a laser or a sight. The second component includes a scale toward which the optical element is aimed for sweep characterization
Implementation Method 2
the first component includes a first planar surface defining a plane to establish a twist reference angle. the second component includes a second planar surface which is comparable with the first planar surface for twist angle characterization
Data Source
AI summary
A tool is provided for characterizing a blade geometry. The tool includes a first component attachable to a blade root of a blade and a second component attachable to leading and trailing edges of the blade at a blade tip and at multiple stations defined along a span-wise dimension of the blade. The second component is configured for characterization of a chord length of the blade at the blade tip and at the multiple stations. The first and second components are respectively configured for cooperative optical characterization of a sweep and a twist angle of the blade at the blade tip and at the multiple stations.