Helical Insert Tang Removal Tool for Gas Turbine Engines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing the driver tang of a helical insert from a gas turbine engine's gas path aperture are inefficient and risk dropping the tang into the gas path, especially in through apertures that communicate with the gas path.

Innovation Solution

A tang removal tool with an elongated body, a narrow tip, and a tang receiving aperture, along with a pushing member that can be moved to press and break the tang, allowing for controlled removal without dropping it into the gas path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driver tang is broken and removed using conventional methods, then the tang can be removed from the helical insert, but the tang may drop into the gas path causing contamination or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetang removal operationVSAvoidrisk of tang dropping into gas path

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tang removal tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the tang. This tool includes a tang receiving aperture that captures the tang when broken, and a pushing member that applies force to break the tang while keeping it contained. The tool acts as a mediator that prevents the tang from becoming a harmful factor by ensuring it remains captured during the breaking and removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the tang from the helical insert in a controlled manner. The tang receiving aperture is designed to extract and hold the tang after it is broken, preventing it from falling into the gas path. The pushing member extracts the tang from its original position and transfers it to the receiving aperture for safe removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If a simple removal method is used, then the removal process is quick and easy, but there is no control over the tang breaking and removal process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval speedVSAvoidcontrol over breaking process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pushing member that can be moved dynamically to apply controlled force to the tang. The pushing member is longitudinally moveable inside the elongated cavity, allowing the operator to adjust the force and timing of the breaking action. This dynamic mechanism provides control over the breaking process while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tang removal tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a tang receiving aperture for capturing the tang, an elongated cavity for housing the pushing member, and the pushing member itself for applying breaking force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing both control and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11059152B2Tool and method for removing helical insert tang

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

The tool can include a tang keeper which can be positioned behind the tang of a helical insert which is installed in an aperture, and a pushing member which can be moved to push the tang against the keeper and hold the tang against the keeper while breaking and removing the tang by manipulating the tool.