Hollow Vane Cleaning Ports for Internal Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hollow vanes in turbomachinery are prone to particulate deposition from external ingestion and internal erosion, which affects air flow and thermal regulation due to the accumulation of debris within the internal passages.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning system is implemented with cleaning ports and outlets in the hollow vane assembly, allowing for the flow of cleaning fluid to remove debris through internal passages, utilizing a cover to form flow passages and outlet ports for debris discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If hollow vanes are used to enable air flow through the part for thermal regulation, then thermal regulation performance is improved, but particulate deposition occurs within the hollow vane internal passages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal regulationVSAvoidparticulate deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning ports are formed during the manufacturing process of the hollow vane assembly, allowing cleaning fluid to be introduced into the internal passages before particulate deposition becomes problematic. This preliminary preparation enables proactive maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire turbine assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A cleaning fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to remove particulate deposition from the internal passages. The cleaning fluid flows through the hollow vane assembly, carrying debris away from the thermal regulation passages, thereby maintaining optimal thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If cleaning ports are formed in the hollow vane assembly, then debris removal capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning ports are integrated into the existing hollow vane assembly structure during the manufacturing process, combining the thermal regulation function with the cleaning function in a single component system. This merging approach avoids adding separate cleaning mechanisms that would increase overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow vane assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: thermal regulation through air flow and debris removal through cleaning fluid flow. The same internal passages that enable thermal regulation also serve as pathways for cleaning operations, eliminating the need for dedicated cleaning structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If cleaning fluid is flowed through the hollow vane assembly, then flow capacity is restored, but additional cleaning system components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow capacityVSAvoidcleaning system components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow vane assembly is designed to clean itself through the introduction of cleaning fluid via the cleaning ports. The cleaning fluid flows through the internal passages, removing debris and restoring flow capacity without requiring external mechanical cleaning mechanisms or disassembly of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system utilizes fluid dynamics principles by introducing cleaning fluid through the cleaning ports and allowing it to flow through the hollow vane assembly internal passages. The fluid carries debris away from the passages, utilizing hydraulic action to restore optimal flow capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 system effectively removes debris from internal passages, restoring flow capacity and preventing part obsolescence by maintaining optimal thermal regulation and air flow, while allowing for low-cost maintenance and flexible cleaning options.

Implementation Method 1

flowing a cleaning fluid through the at least one flow passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

removing debris from the at least one flow passage with the cleaning fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuspension: Suspension

Data Source

PatentUS20260014599A1Two piece hollow-vane assembly cleaning system

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 RTX CORP

AI summary

A hollow vane assembly cleaning system comprising: an open body having a single wall design defining an interior; at least one cleaning port formed in the open body proximate an exterior wall of the open body; at least one outlet port formed in the open body proximate the exterior wall of the open body; and a cover brazed to the open body to form at least one internal flow passage.