Robotic Hot-Engine Maintenance Using Temperature-Aided Fastener Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for servicing gas turbine engines require costly and time-consuming disassembly and inspection, which can be inefficient and risky due to the need for cooling to safe temperatures before maintenance can be performed.
Innovation Solution
A robotic assembly equipped with a lubrication dispenser and tools that can operate on engine components at elevated temperatures, using temperature gradients to reduce torque requirements for loosening fasteners, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous servicing while the engine is still hot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional servicing methods are used requiring engine disassembly and cooling, then safety is improved, but maintenance time and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter from ambient to elevated operating temperatures, enabling servicing to be performed on hot engines without requiring cooling down, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining safety through robotic automation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical servicing operations are replaced with an automated robotic system that can safely operate at elevated temperatures, substituting human operators with a robot equipped with specialized tools and sensors
2Reliability
If engine is cooled to safe temperature before servicing, then safety is improved, but downtime and loss of time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs preliminary actions by applying lubrication and conducting inspections while the engine is still at elevated temperatures, eliminating the waiting period for cooling and reducing overall downtime
3Productivity
If robotic assembly operates at elevated temperatures, then productivity is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic assembly is designed with multi-functionality, integrating lubrication dispensing, inspection, and fastener operation capabilities in a single system, reducing the need for multiple separate equipment and simplifying the overall servicing process
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
Enables efficient and safe on-wing maintenance by reducing the need for cooling, minimizing downtime, and allowing for the use of robotic systems to perform complex tasks at elevated temperatures, thereby improving maintenance efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the robotic assembly is configured to utilize temperature gradients between the one or more fasteners and a remainder of the engine to reduce a torque requirement to loosen the one or more fasteners
Implementation Method 2
applying, from the robotic assembly, lubrication to one or more adjustable components of the engine
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of servicing engines including a method of servicing an engine, the method including navigating at least a portion of a robotic assembly to a location associated with the engine; applying, from the robotic assembly, a medium to one or more adjustable components of the engine while the engine is at an elevated temperature; waiting a duration of time; and with the robotic assembly, operating on the one or more adjustable components.