Inlet Guide Vane Segment Pin Puller for Limited Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removing inlet guide vane segment pins from the lower inlet casing of 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 kit comprising a banana bolt insertion wrench and a pin puller wrench, allowing the bolt to be driven into the recess of the inlet guide vane segment pin and then pulled into the interior bore of the pin puller wrench, enabling efficient removal without disassembling the rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire rotor and other equipment are removed to access inlet guide vane segment pins in the lower inlet casing, then access to the pins is achieved, but the removal process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet guide vane assembly is segmented into multiple sections with pins that can be individually accessed. The specialized toolset allows each pin to be targeted and removed separately through limited access points, eliminating the need to remove the entire rotor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized intermediary toolset comprising a bolt, first wrench, and second wrench with interior bore is introduced. This toolset mediates between the limited access space and the pins, enabling pin removal through the available access points without requiring complete disassembly of the rotor.
2Ease of operation
If the entire rotor and other equipment are removed to access inlet guide vane segment pins in the lower inlet casing, then access to the pins is achieved, but the removal process becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized toolset acts as an intermediary that enables pin removal through limited access points. By designing tools that can reach and manipulate pins through existing openings, the system avoids the expensive and time-consuming process of complete rotor disassembly and reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of the inlet guide vane assembly allows individual pins to be accessed and removed independently. This modular approach reduces the overall complexity and cost of maintenance operations compared to removing and reinstalling the entire rotor assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If known tools are used to remove inlet guide vane segment pins, then standard procedures are followed, but the pins cannot be accessed due to space limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized toolset serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between standard tooling capabilities and the constrained access geometry. The tools are designed with specific features (interior bore, wrench configurations) that enable them to reach and manipulate pins in locations where conventional tools cannot access.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design incorporates dimensional adaptations to access pins through limited openings. The second wrench with its interior bore and the specific configuration of the bolt and first wrench allow the toolset to approach the pins from alternative angles and dimensions that are available in the constrained space.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inlet guide vane segment 90 pin removal kit 170 for removal of an inlet guide vane pin 100 with a head having a recess 120 therein from an inlet guide vane segment. The inlet guide vane segment pin removal kit 170 includes a bolt 330, a first wrench 180 for inserting the bolt into the recess 120 of the inlet guide vane pin 100, and a second wrench 190 with an interior bore 450 such that torqueing the second wrench 190 draws the bolt 330 and the inlet guide vane pin 100 into the interior bore 450.