Combustor Body Reshaping Tool for In-Situ Roundness Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing out-of-round combustor bodies in gas turbines are time-consuming and expensive, requiring removal and forcible reshaping of the components, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A tool with arcuate members and a linear actuator is used to reshape the out-of-round combustor bodies in situ, allowing for re-assembly of fuel nozzle head ends without removing the combustor body, using a system that includes a base, arcuate members, a linear actuator, and optional rollers for rotational adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the combustor body is removed and forcibly reshaped using a circular mandrel, then the combustor body can be re-rounded, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the reshaping function from a separate removal-and-reshaping process and integrates it into an in-situ repair tool. The arcuate members with rollers are inserted through the combustor opening to directly reshape the combustor body in place, eliminating the need to remove the component for reshaping.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces arcuate members with rollers as intermediary elements that facilitate the reshaping process. These rollers contact the inner surface of the combustor body and apply controlled force to reshape it, acting as a mediator between the external actuating mechanism and the combustor body.
2Manufacturing precision
If the combustor body is removed for reshaping, then proper assembly can be achieved, but the repair process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the reshaping function with the in-situ repair capability. The tool combines arcuate members, rollers, and an actuating mechanism into a single integrated system that performs reshaping without requiring component removal, thereby simplifying the overall repair process.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustor body is reshaped in its installed position, allowing the system to service itself without requiring removal. The tool enables the combustor body to be repaired in situ, reducing the complexity of disassembly and reassembly operations.
3Loss of time
If arcuate members with rollers are used for in-situ reshaping, then repair time is reduced, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into modular components: arcuate members with integrated rollers, an actuating mechanism, and a support structure. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the goal of in-situ reshaping.
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 tool efficiently reshapes the combustor body to a round configuration, enabling successful re-assembly of fuel nozzle head ends during maintenance, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming removal and reshaping processes.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator to force the out-of-round combustor body into a more round configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (130) for repairing an out-of-round component (116) such as a combustor body (116) is disclosed. The tool (130) includes a base (140) including a first arcuate member (142); a second arcuate member (144); and a linear actuator (146) coupling the second arcuate member (144) to the base (140). The linear actuator (146) moves the second arcuate member (144) between a retracted position out of engagement with the out-of-round component (116) and an extended position in which the first arcuate member (142) and the second arcuate member (144) engage an interior surface (154) of the out-of-round component (116) in an opposing relationship to force the out-of-round component (116) into a more round state compared to an initial state of the out-of-round component (116). A related method is also disclosed.