Gas Turbine Instrumentation Probe Anti-Rotation Thread Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data collection methods in gas turbine engines face challenges in securely attaching sensors to rotationally fixed components without damaging delicate components, particularly in measuring clearances between stator segments and a rotating hub, as traditional threaded connections can loosen during operation.
Innovation Solution
A vibra-stake tool is used to deform the interface between a threaded fastener and a sensor body or assembly, securing the sensor in place without applying high force, thereby preventing rotation and maintaining the sensor's position during engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded connections are used to secure sensors to rotationally fixed components, then the sensors can be easily installed and removed, but the threaded connections can loosen during engine operation causing sensors to rotate or back out
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation feature is created during the sensor installation process itself, forming a permanent anti-rotation mechanism before the sensor begins operation. This preliminary deformation of the threaded interface prevents loosening during engine operation while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures
2Reliability
If high force is applied to secure the threaded fastener to prevent rotation, then the sensor retention is improved, but the delicate sensor components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation is applied locally at the threaded interface between the fastener and sensor body, creating a specific deformation feature that prevents rotation without requiring high forces across the entire sensor assembly. This localized deformation secures the connection while protecting delicate sensor components from damage
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 deformation method effectively prevents loosening of sensors, ensuring accurate data collection while protecting delicate components from damage, enhancing the reliability and durability of the instrumentation system.
Implementation Method 1
a vibra-stake tool is used to deform the interface between a threaded fastener and a sensor body or assembly
Implementation Method 2
deforming a threaded interface between the threaded fastener and the sensor body
Data Source
AI summary
A component assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a component of a gas turbine engine, and an instrumentation probe installed to the component. The instrumentation probe includes a sensor body extending through a component wall, and a threaded fastener installed onto a complimentary thread of the sensor body to retain the sensor body. The threaded fastener is retained to the sensor body via deforming a threaded interface between the threaded fastener and the sensor body. A method of installing an instrumentation probe to a component of a gas turbine engine includes installing a sensor assembly of the instrumentation probe through a component wall, securing a threaded fastener to a complimentary thread of the sensor assembly to retain the sensor body, and deforming a threaded interface between the threaded fastener and the sensor assembly to prevent rotation of the threaded fastener relative to the sensor assembly.