Embedded Cap Probe for Gas Turbine Engine Case Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tip clearance probe arrangements in gas turbine engines require significant additional operation of the outer air seal casing, limiting installation locations and increasing complexity due to the need for a pre-assembled housing that accommodates both the lead and sensor face, which restricts the size of the sensor face and requires a large bore in the case.
Innovation Solution
A method for installing a capacitance-based probe assembly within the gas turbine engine case by piecemeal installation of its portions, using a seal coating and ceramic pads to retain the assembly, and applying an abradable coating to maintain the probe's position, allowing for a larger sensor face with a smaller bore and increased structural durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pre-assembled housing is used to accommodate both the lead and sensor face, then the probe assembly is easier to install as a unit, but the sensor face size is limited and a large bore is required in the case
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is divided into separate components: a lead portion inserted through a bore and a sensor face portion mounted separately on the inner surface. This segmentation allows the sensor face to be larger without requiring a larger bore, as the lead and sensor face are installed independently rather than as a pre-assembled unit.
2Ease of operation
If a pre-assembled housing is used for the probe, then installation is simplified, but significant additional operation of the outer air seal casing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into separate operations: first installing the lead through the bore, then separately mounting the sensor face on the inner surface. This eliminates the need for a pre-assembled housing and reduces the complexity of case operations required during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead is installed preliminarily through the bore before the sensor face is mounted. This preliminary installation of the lead portion first simplifies the overall installation process and eliminates the need for complex pre-assembled housings that would require additional case operations.
3Ease of operation
If a large bore is used to accommodate the probe housing, then the probe assembly can be installed, but structural durability of the case is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is segmented into a lead portion and a sensor face portion, allowing the lead to be installed through a smaller bore rather than requiring a large bore to accommodate a pre-assembled housing. This reduces the structural impact on the case while still enabling probe installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a probe assembly in a case of a gas turbine engine the method including installing a first portion of the probe assembly within a first section of the case, and installing a second portion of the probe assembly within a second section of the case. A case assembly within a gas turbine engine the case assembly including a case in at least one of a compressor and a turbine, and a probe assembly. The probe assembly including a first portion positioned within a bore of the case, and a second portion positioned within an inset of the case, the bore having a smaller diameter than the inset.