Gas Turbine Engine Servicing Using Condition Profiles and On-Wing Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for servicing gas turbine engines require costly and time-consuming disassembly and inspection, limiting efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for servicing engines that includes forming a workscope based on initial condition profiles, performing tasks, updating condition profiles, and generating alerts for deviations, with robotic assemblies capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous inspection and repair, using machine-learned models and augmented reality for enhanced precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional disassembly and inspection methods are used, then thorough inspection can be performed, but maintenance time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing equipment condition data before servicing operations begin, storing baseline measurements that enable later comparison. This preliminary data collection allows for accurate inspection without requiring complete disassembly, as the pre-captured data serves as a reference for identifying actual changes or issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical disassembly and physical inspection methods with automated sensing systems, computing devices, and data analysis algorithms. Sensors and detection devices capture equipment condition data electronically, substituting manual inspection processes with automated electronic measurement and comparison systems that reduce time while maintaining or improving accuracy.
2Reliability
If complete servicing operations are performed, then all potential issues can be addressed, but resource consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by comparing equipment condition data captured before and after servicing operations, analyzing deviations to determine what actual changes occurred. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify only the necessary servicing actions that produced measurable effects, enabling resource optimization while maintaining service completeness for critical issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing servicing operations selectively based on analyzed deviations rather than completing all possible servicing tasks. The system captures comprehensive baseline data, then uses comparison analysis to identify only those areas requiring actual intervention, performing partial servicing that addresses specific identified issues rather than exhaustive complete servicing.
3Loss of time
If equipment is serviced without uninstalling from aircraft, then maintenance time is reduced, but access to certain components becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensing devices, probes, and detection tools as intermediaries that can access equipment components through existing openings, access points, or remotely via fluid/bore pathways. These intermediary tools enable data capture and inspection without requiring complete disassembly or removal of the equipment from the aircraft, bridging the gap between limited access and comprehensive inspection needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for servicing an engine including receiving information including an initial condition profile, CP1, of the engine; forming a workscope associated with a servicing operation of the engine in view of the initial condition profile, CP1; servicing the engine in view of the workscope; determining at least in part an updated condition profile, CP2, of the engine in view of information acquired during the service; and storing the updated condition profile, CP2, for use in a subsequent service operation.