Compressor Rotation Guide for Gas Turbine Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rotating the intermediate pressure compressor in gas turbine engines are difficult due to the tortuous path, making inspection and repair challenging, especially when using a borescope for compressor blade inspection.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a guide with a channel and fasteners for secure attachment to the gas turbine engine, along with a drive assembly featuring a belt and teeth for rotating the compressor blades, which includes bushings for protection and a resilient member to prevent damage during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rod or stick is used to rotate the intermediate pressure compressor, then the compressor can be rotated for inspection, but the operation is difficult due to the tortuous path
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is divided into multiple components: a drive head with belt and teeth for engaging the compressor, an elongate member for transmission, and a guide with channel for insertion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, making the overall operation easier despite the complex path
Solution Approach 2:
The guide with channel acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the insertion of the drive assembly through the tortuous path. The channel provides a predefined pathway that guides the drive assembly to the compressor, eliminating the difficulty of manually navigating a rod or stick through the complex geometry
2Ease of operation
If the drive assembly is inserted through the fan to the compressor, then rotation can be enabled, but damage to the gas turbine engine may occur during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
Bushings are provided on the drive assembly to contact the gas turbine engine during insertion. These bushings act as protective elements that prevent direct metal-to-metal contact between the drive assembly and the engine components, cushioning the insertion process and preventing damage
Solution Approach 2:
The bushings serve as intermediary protective elements between the drive assembly and the gas turbine engine. They transfer the insertion forces in a controlled manner and prevent harmful contact, allowing the drive assembly to reach the compressor without causing damage
3Manufacturing precision
If the drive assembly is fastened to the guide, then consistent positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The drive assembly automatically engages with the guide through the predefined channel, and the fastening occurs through inherent mechanical features rather than requiring complex external fastening operations. This achieves precise positioning without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 easy and accurate rotation of the compressor blades, facilitating inspection and reducing the risk of damage to the engine, while ensuring consistent positioning and efficient engagement with the compressor blades.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient member mounting the at least one bushing to the guide
Implementation Method 2
The engagement mechanism is preferably a belt which in use drives the compressor, through friction, to allow the inspection of the compressor blades
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus to enable rotation of a compressor, the apparatus comprising: a guide for insertion through a fan of a gas turbine engine to the compressor, the guide including: a surface arranged to guide a drive assembly through an interior portion of the gas turbine engine to the compressor; and a first fastener arranged to fasten the guide to the gas turbine engine.