High-Temperature Electrical Connector Block for Gas Turbine Thermocouples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector blocks for gas turbine engines are limited by their temperature capability, requiring them to be positioned far from measurement locations, which complicates thermocouple removal and replacement and affects measurement quality.
Innovation Solution
A high-temperature electrical connector block design featuring a metal mounting bracket, electrically insulating mounting block, clamps, and offset terminals with conductive sleeves, allowing for secure and efficient connection of thermocouples near the measurement position, with features like profiling for better access and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the connector block is positioned closer to the measurement position, then measurement quality improves, but the connector block cannot operate at high temperatures with conventional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block employs a composite structure combining a metal mounting bracket (for structural strength and thermal resistance) with an electrically insulating mounting block material (capable of withstanding high temperatures). This composite approach allows the connector to operate reliably in high-temperature environments while maintaining electrical insulation properties, thereby enabling placement closer to measurement positions without compromising temperature capability.
2Measurement precision
If the connector block is positioned closer to the measurement position, then measurement quality improves, but thermocouple removal and replacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block is designed as a modular assembly with distinct components: a mounting bracket, an insulating mounting block, and separately attachable clamps. The clamps are designed to be independently removable, allowing thermocouples to be easily detached and replaced without requiring removal of the entire connector block or complex disassembly procedures, thus maintaining ease of operation even when positioned close to measurement locations.
3Ease of operation
If longer flying leads are used to connect thermocouples to the connector block, then the connector block can be positioned farther away, but routing and securing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed as a separate, easily attachable component that can be quickly secured to the mounting block without complex routing procedures. This extraction of the connection function into a simple clamp-thermocouple interface eliminates the need for complex routing and securing of long flying leads, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector arrangement comprises a metal mounting bracket for securing the arrangement to a structure; an electrically insulating mounting block abutting the mounting bracket; a clamp to secure an electrical cable to the mounting block, the electrical cable comprising a plurality of electrical conductors; and a plurality of spaced-apart terminals to accommodate the respective electrical conductors.