Aircraft Engine Telemetry Module Assembly for Tight Shaft Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for collecting data from rotating components in gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently installing and testing telemetry modules due to space constraints and the need for clean room assembly, which complicates the assembly and testing process.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry module system comprising a telemetry module and a connector ring, with annular housings and connectivity boards, allows for independent assembly and testing in a clean room environment, facilitating installation in tight spaces and ensuring reliable signal communication through pin receivers and connector pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If telemetry modules are assembled and tested in place within the engine, then installation space is utilized, but the assembly and testing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry module system is divided into two separate components: a connector ring that interfaces with sensor cables and a telemetry module that mounts to the rotating shaft. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled and tested independently in a clean room environment, eliminating the need for complex in-place assembly within the engine and significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If telemetry modules are assembled in a clean room environment, then contamination is prevented, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector ring and telemetry module are pre-assembled and pre-tested in a clean room environment before final installation. This preliminary assembly allows contamination-sensitive components to be protected from contaminants while still enabling simplified final installation on the rotating shaft outside the clean room, resolving the contradiction between contamination prevention and assembly complexity.
3Strength
If the telemetry module is integrated as a single unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation in tight spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the telemetry system into a connector ring and a telemetry module, the system becomes adaptable to tight installation spaces. The connector ring can be positioned independently to accommodate cable routing, while the telemetry module mounts to the rotating shaft, maintaining structural integrity through defined interface connections rather than a monolithic structure.
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
The system enables efficient assembly and testing of telemetry modules in a clean room, reducing the risk of issues during installation and ensuring reliable signal connectivity, thus enhancing data collection from rotating components in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
Each transmitter of the plurality of transmitters is configured to produce radio-frequency signals based on a sensor input signal
Data Source
AI summary
A telemetry module system for mounting on a rotatable shaft is provided that includes a telemetry module and a connector ring. The telemetry module includes an annular TM housing, a plurality of transmitters, and a first connectivity board. The TM housing extends axially between first and second TM axial ends. Each transmitter is configured to produce RF signals based on sensor input signals. The first connectivity board has a ring configuration and is in signal communication with the transmitters. The connector ring (CR) has an annular CR housing and a second connectivity board. The CR housing extends axially between first and second CR axial ends. The second connectivity board has a ring configuration and is attached to the CR housing. The second connectivity board is configured to receive sensor input signals. The telemetry module and the connector ring are configured to be disposed in a coupled configuration.