Embedded Identification Devices for Gas Turbine Component Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in gas turbine engines is to provide reliable electromagnetic communication in difficult-to-access locations with potential interference and the risk of counterfeit components, which affects system functionality, reliability, and safety.
Innovation Solution
A network of identification devices embedded in gas turbine engine components communicates through electromagnetic signals, using physically unclonable features and shielding to ensure secure and reliable communication, reducing the need for bulky wiring and preventing counterfeit components by utilizing unique codes and markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electromagnetic signals are used for communication in difficult-to-access locations, then wiring constraints are reduced and cable cost/volume/weight are decreased, but communication reliability is compromised due to potential interference from internal or external sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing shielding structures around electromagnetic sensors and communication devices before deployment. The shielding is designed to preemptively block interference from internal or external sources, preventing communication reliability issues before they occur in difficult-to-access locations within gas turbine engines.
2Ease of manufacture
If counterfeit components are used in manufactured products, then cost is reduced, but system functionality, reliability, and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by embedding unique identification markers and authentication mechanisms into genuine components during the manufacturing process. These authentication features are built in advance, allowing verification systems to identify and reject counterfeit components before they can compromise system reliability, while still maintaining cost-effective manufacturing.
3Reliability
If shielding is added to contain electromagnetic signals, then communication reliability is improved by reducing interference, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating shielding structures with existing component housings and mounting structures within the gas turbine engine. Rather than adding separate shielding elements, the shielding functionality is combined with structural components that already exist in the engine architecture, thereby improving communication reliability without significantly increasing device complexity or cost.
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
This solution enhances communication reliability, reduces cable costs and weight, and ensures component authenticity, maintaining system performance and safety by containing electromagnetic signals and using unique codes for verification.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the identification devices are embedded in a gas turbine engine component and are operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals
Implementation Method 2
Shielding surrounds at least one of the identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the gas turbine engine component
Data Source
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AI summary
A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of identification devices (68A, 68B) distributed throughout the machine. Each identification device (68A, 68B) is embedded in a component (70, 74) of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals (86). Each identification device (68A, 68B) includes a unique code characteristic of the component (70, 74) and the identification device is readable by one or more readers to interrogate the unique code characteristic. Shielding (84) surrounds at least one of the identification devices (68A) to contain the electromagnetic signals (86) proximate to the component (70) and a communication path is integrally formed in the component (70) of the machine to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals (86) through the component (70). A remote processing unit (66) is operable to communicate with the network of the identification devices (68A, 68B) through the electromagnetic signals (86).