Blade Row Measuring Assembly for Confined Turbine Inspections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inspecting the geometry of blade and vane rows in gas turbine assemblies are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially during minor inspections where space is restricted, hindering rapid and comprehensive parameter measurement.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the coupling of frames to blades or vanes and a measuring device to measure geometrical parameters such as stagger angle and throat distance, utilizing frames with complementary shapes and support pins to secure the device in place, enabling precise and efficient measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a human operator manually inspects the blades and vanes in restricted spaces, then the inspection can be performed with simple tools, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of inspectionVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a measuring assembly that acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the blade geometry. This assembly includes frames coupled to adjacent blades and a measuring device (goniometer or caliper) that extends between them, enabling indirect measurement of geometrical parameters without requiring the operator to manually position complex measurement tools in restricted spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with a specialized measuring assembly that integrates multiple measurement functions. Instead of using various separate mechanical tools that require precise manual positioning, the assembly provides a unified mechanical system that automatically establishes measurement geometry through the coupling of frames to adjacent blades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement tools are used to measure different geometrical parameters, then comprehensive measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measuring assembly that can measure multiple geometrical parameters (stagger angle, throat distance, blade spacing) using a single integrated device. The assembly includes frames that can be coupled to any adjacent blades in the row and a measuring device that can determine different parameters depending on how it is positioned, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measurement tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: frames that couple to blades, a measuring device (goniometer or caliper), and measurement elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The frames provide structural support and positioning, while the measuring device provides the actual measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the turbine assembly is opened for major inspections, then thorough maintenance can be performed, but the maintenance downtime increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance qualityVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary measurement actions to be performed during minor inspections before major maintenance is required. By allowing operators to quickly assess geometrical parameters during routine minor inspections, potential issues can be identified early, and major inspections can be planned more efficiently, reducing overall maintenance downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables rapid measurement of geometrical parameters during minor inspections, allowing operators to quickly assess the condition of blade rows without performing thorough major inspections. This skipping of detailed measurement during routine checks allows the turbine to remain operational longer between major maintenance events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP3957830B1Method and assembly for measuring at least one geometrical parameter in a blade row or in a vane row of a gas turbine assembly

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ANSALDO ENERGIA SPA

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AI summary

A method for measuring at least one geometrical parameter in a blade row or in a vane row of a gas turbine assembly (1); the method comprising: - coupling a first frame (40; 301) to one first blade or vane (25) of the blade or vane row; - coupling a second frame (41; 302) to one second blade or vane (25) of the blade or vane row adjacent to the first blade or vane (25); - coupling a measuring device (43; 305) to the first frame (40; 301) and to the second frame (41; 302); - measuring the geometrical parameter with the measuring device (43; 305).