Inlet Guide Vane Segment Pin Removal Without Rotor Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Removing inlet guide vane segment pins from the lower half of a compressor inner casing in a gas turbine engine is challenging due to space limitations, requiring the removal of the entire rotor and other equipment, which is time-consuming and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A specialized inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit comprising a banana bolt insertion wrench and a pin puller wrench with an interior bore, allowing the bolt to be driven into the pin's recess and then drawn into the wrench's bore, enabling pin removal without disassembling the rotor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If known tools and methods are used to remove inlet guide vanes in the lower inlet casing, then the inlet guide vanes can be removed, but the entire rotor and other equipment must be removed first due to space limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removing inlet guide vanesVSAvoidcomplexity of removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a bolt portion that engages the pin recess, a intermediate section, and a wrench portion with interior bore. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while fitting through limited access spaces, eliminating the need to remove the rotor assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt is inserted into the pin recess, then the wrench with interior bore is attached to the bolt, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the tools to be inserted through limited space while maintaining full functionality for pin removal without requiring extensive access space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the entire rotor and equipment are removed to access inlet guide vanes in the lower inlet casing, then adequate access is provided, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess spaceVSAvoidtime for removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool design transitions from requiring access from the outer diameter of the compressor to accessing the pins through the inner diameter or side openings. This dimensional change in access approach allows pin removal through limited spaces without removing the rotor, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the entire rotor and equipment are removed to access inlet guide vanes in the lower inlet casing, then adequate access is provided, but the process becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess spaceVSAvoidcost of removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250262730A1Inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

An inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit for removal of an inlet guide vane pin with a head having a recess therein from an inlet guide vane segment. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit may include a bolt, a first wrench for inserting the bolt into the recess of the inlet guide vane pin, and a second wrench with an interior bore such that torqueing the second wrench draws the bolt and the inlet guide vane pin into the interior bore.