Grit Boot Mask Latch Design to Prevent Blade Dislodgment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grit boot mask tools for gas turbine blades suffer from latch wear, leading to potential blade dislodgment during grit blasting, necessitating blade scrapping.

Innovation Solution

A grit boot mask tool with a lock assembly featuring a latch that rotates transversely through a slot in the door to securely lock or unlock the door, preventing blade dislodgment, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism for ergonomic and secure retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wedge piece is friction fit with the door to retain the door, then the door can be retained during grit blasting, but the wedge wears over time causing the blade to fall out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor retentionVSAvoidwedge service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based wedge mechanism with a positive engagement latch system. The latch includes a latch member that engages with a latch receptacle, providing a mechanical interlock instead of relying on friction. This substitution eliminates wear-related failure modes while maintaining door retention during grit blasting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded actuator that provides dynamic engagement and disengagement capability. The spring allows the latch to automatically engage with the receptacle during door closure and can be easily actuated for opening, providing both secure retention and ease of operation throughout the tool's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a latch rotates through a slot in the door to lock the door, then the door is securely locked preventing blade dislodgment, but the mechanism requires more complex structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade retentionVSAvoidlock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the door in the closed position, provides a positive indication of door status, and can be easily actuated for opening. The single rotational movement integrates these functions into one simple operation, reducing the need for separate mechanisms while enhancing blade retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 lock assembly ensures the blade remains securely positioned during grit blasting, preventing dislodgment and extending the tool's operational life by eliminating the need for frequent blade replacement.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism for ergonomic and secure retention

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring-loaded mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3511113B1Grit boot mask tool and method for enclosing a blade in the tool

Publication Date: 2022.05.11 RTX CORP

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AI summary

A grit boot mask tool (120) including an enclosure (126) to receive at least a portion of a blade (84) and a door (128). A lock assembly (122) that retains the door (128) to the enclosure (126). The lock assembly (122) provides for rotating a latch (130) to retain the door (128) to the enclosure (126).