Expandable Inspection Scope Mount for In-Place Powerplant Defect Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection methods for internal defects in powerplant components are inadequate and require improvement.

Innovation Solution

An inspection method and system using an inspection scope with a mechanically expandable mount that anchors the scope head within the powerplant, inducing vibrations in the component to measure vibratory responses for defect detection, allowing non-destructive inspection while the component remains installed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional inspection scope is used without expansion mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but the inspection precision and reliability are insufficient due to inability to maintain stable contact with component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection precisionVSAvoidinspection scope structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection scope employs a dynamically expandable mount that transitions from a compact state during insertion to an expanded state during inspection. This dynamic adjustment allows the scope to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, achieving stable contact with the component for precise defect detection while maintaining ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion elements are nested within the scope body in a compact arrangement during insertion, then deployed outward to form the expanded mount structure. This nesting approach allows the complex inspection mechanism to be passed through access openings while still providing the necessary expanded functionality for stable component contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of time

If the inspection scope is inserted through access opening and expanded in place, then the component can be inspected without removal (reducing downtime), but the device complexity increases due to expansion mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowerplant downtimeVSAvoidinspection scope mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection scope is pre-configured with the expandable mount mechanism that is compact for insertion and automatically deploys to the inspection configuration once positioned against the component. This preliminary preparation allows the scope to perform both insertion and inspection functions without requiring removal of the component, minimizing powerplant downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mount dynamically changes from a retracted configuration during insertion to an expanded configuration during inspection, allowing the same device to optimize for both insertion ease and inspection stability without requiring separate tools or component removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the actuator contacts the component without expansion elements, then the contact is simple, but the contact stability is insufficient to maintain consistent vibrations and measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidmount structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is divided into multiple expandable elements that can independently contact the component surface. This segmentation allows the mount to conform to the component geometry while maintaining stable contact through distributed contact points, improving reliability without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable mount provides dynamic adjustment capability to maintain optimal contact pressure and stability. By expanding to engage the component surface, the mount ensures consistent contact conditions for vibration induction and measurement, improving measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables non-destructive detection of internal defects in powerplant components with minimal downtime and cost, identifying defects as small as 50 mils in size with high frequency vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

Vibrations in the component are induced using the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations are measured using a sensor to provide sensor data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibratory response measurement: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250347590A1Inspecting internal powerplant component using inspection scope

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 RTX CORP

AI summary

An inspection method is provided during which a head of an inspection scope is inserted into an interior of a powerplant. The head of the inspection scope includes an actuator. The powerplant includes a component within the interior of the powerplant. The head of the inspection scope is arranged within the interior of the powerplant with the actuator contacting the component. A mechanically expandable mount is expanded within the interior of the powerplant to anchor a position of the head of the inspection scope within the interior of the powerplant and maintain contact between the actuator and the component. Vibrations in the component are induced using the actuator while the contact is maintained between the actuator and the component using the mechanically expandable mount.