Borescope Plug Detent Locking for Gas Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current borescope plugs in gas turbine engines require supplementary locking features that are expensive and difficult to incorporate, especially in densely packed engine cases with external hardware, complicating maintenance accessibility and sealing during inspections.
Innovation Solution
A borescope plug design featuring a head section with a tool socket, a threaded section, a spindle with detents that are spring-biased and align with a ring's scallops for locking, and a seal for enhanced sealing, allowing for integral locking without additional tools and facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supplementary locking features (lock wire or safety cable) are used, then reliability of sealing is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is merged into the plug body itself through the integrated detent mechanism. The detent protrusions are formed as part of the plug structure, eliminating the need for separate lock wires or safety cables. This integration maintains sealing reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug provides its own locking function through the self-contained detent mechanism. The detent protrusions automatically engage with the corresponding features in the opening, providing self-locking capability without requiring external locking components or additional maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If supplementary locking features are incorporated, then reliability of sealing is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is merged into the plug body itself through the integrated detent mechanism. The detent protrusions are formed as part of the plug structure, eliminating the need for separate lock wires or safety cables. This integration maintains sealing reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If densely packed engine hardware is present, then productivity of engine operation is improved, but ease of operation for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design segments the functional elements (sealing portion and locking portion) into distinct sections. The locking portion with detent protrusions is positioned to engage with features in the opening, while the sealing portion extends into the gas path. This segmentation allows for compact integration that maintains accessibility despite dense hardware packaging.
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 borescope plug provides a cost-effective, reliable locking mechanism that integrates with existing engine components, ensuring secure sealing and easy maintenance access without the need for additional locking features, enhancing the efficiency of on-wing inspections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (144) biasing the spindle (142) toward the tool socket (134)
Data Source
AI summary
A borescope plug includes a threaded section that extends from a head section along an axis, the threaded section including a central passage along said axis. A spindle is located within the central passage. A multiple of detents are positioned in response to an axial position of the spindle along the axis.