Engine Service Robot for In-Situ Inspection and Tool Accountability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for servicing gas turbine engines require costly and time-consuming disassembly and inspection, making them inefficient for routine maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A robotic assembly equipped with an environmental capture device and computing systems that enables autonomous or semi-autonomous inspection and repair, including navigation, component tracking, and comparison of pre- and post-repair conditions to ensure accurate servicing and prevent equipment loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disassembly and inspection methods are used, then thorough inspection and repair can be performed, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual disassembly and inspection with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, cameras, and computer vision to inspect engine components in situ. The robotic assembly navigates within the engine, captures images and data, and automatically analyzes component conditions without requiring physical disassembly, thereby maintaining inspection thoroughness while dramatically reducing service time
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies and models of engine components through 3D scanning and imaging. These digital replicas allow for virtual inspection, measurement, and analysis without physically touching or disassembling the actual components. The digital twins enable thorough inspection while avoiding the time-consuming nature of physical disassembly
2Ease of repair
If traditional disassembly methods are used, then repair operations can be performed, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system replaces manual repair operations with automated manipulation. The robot can perform repair tasks such as component replacement, cleaning, and adjustment using robotic end effectors, maintaining ease of repair while significantly improving service efficiency through automation and parallel operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary inspection and diagnosis before any repair operations. By using sensors and imaging to identify issues in advance, the system can prepare repair procedures beforehand, stage necessary components, and execute repairs more efficiently without the need for extensive disassembly
3Productivity
If environmental capture devices and robotic systems are implemented, then service time and costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic assembly is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform inspection, cleaning, repair, and verification tasks using a single integrated platform. By consolidating multiple functions into one universal system, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high service efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates autonomous navigation, self-positioning, and automated decision-making capabilities. The robotic assembly can independently navigate within the engine, select components for inspection or repair, and execute appropriate procedures without constant human intervention, reducing operational complexity while improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic assembly configured to service an engine, wherein the robotic assembly includes an environmental capture device configured to provide information associated with an environment in which the engine is disposed to one or more computing devices, and wherein the one or more computing devices are configured to use the information to inspect the engine before and after repair operations associated with the service to check for repair equipment, or parts thereof, left in the engine after the repair.