Segmented Engine Insertion Tool for Curved Annular Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines with annular openings of varying sizes require dedicated inspection tools, leading to high maintenance costs and inconvenience due to the need for specialized tools for each size and engine model.
Innovation Solution
An insertion tool with a segmented arm and a base that allows movement along multiple degrees of freedom, enabling the tool to adapt to different-sized annular openings by maintaining a fixed segment position within the cavity and adjusting its position and orientation externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated inspection tools are used for each annular opening size, then inspection precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool is designed with a modular structure consisting of a base unit and interchangeable arm assemblies. Each arm assembly can be configured with different segment arrangements to match various annular opening sizes. This universal design allows a single base unit to serve multiple inspection purposes across different engine models, eliminating the need for completely dedicated tools for each size while maintaining inspection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and configured. These segments can be arranged in different patterns to adapt to various annular opening geometries. The segmented design enables flexible reconfiguration of the same arm assembly for different inspection scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools.
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized tools are maintained for different engine models, then inspection accuracy is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system comes pre-configured with multiple arm assembly types that can be quickly exchanged based on the specific engine model being inspected. The modular design allows operators to prepare the appropriate arm assembly in advance and swap it into the base unit before inspection begins, eliminating the need to source or adapt tools during the inspection process.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal base unit can accommodate different arm assemblies designed for various engine models. This multi-functionality allows the inspection system to handle multiple engine types without requiring separate dedicated tools for each model, significantly reducing tool management time and increasing productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-configuration inspection tool is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different annular openings decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is segmented into multiple independently positionable sections. Each segment can be adjusted or reconfigured to match different annular opening sizes and geometries. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standardized components that can be arranged in various configurations, rather than requiring completely different tools for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration between different inspection scenarios. The segments can be positioned at various angles and distances from the base unit, enabling the same physical tool to adapt to different annular opening geometries while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion tool is provided for an engine defining an access opening and including a component defining at least in part a cavity. The insertion tool includes: an insertion tool arm having a plurality of segments, the insertion tool arm configured for insertion through the access opening into the cavity and the plurality of segments configured to be in a fixed position relative to one another within the cavity; and a base coupled to the insertion tool arm and configured to be positioned outside the cavity and to move the insertion tool arm along at least two degrees of freedom.