Inspection Scope Vibration Isolation for In-Place Defect Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for internal defects in powerplant components are inefficient and often require disassembly, leading to high costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive inspection method using a transducer and vibration isolator is employed, where the transducer is preloaded against the component surface through a vibration isolator, inducing vibrations and measuring the vibratory response to detect internal defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inspection methods are used, then internal defects can be detected, but disassembly is required leading to high costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical disassembly-based inspection with a non-contact vibration-based inspection method. A transducer generates vibrations that propagate through the component, and a sensor detects the vibratory response to identify internal defects, eliminating the need for physical disassembly and reducing aircraft downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vibration isolator as an intermediary element between the transducer and the component surface. This isolator couples the transducer to the component while isolating it from external vibrations and noise, enabling reliable defect detection without disassembly.
2Measurement precision
If the transducer is directly coupled to the component, then good contact is achieved, but external vibrations and noise interfere with the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolator serves as a mediator between the transducer and the component surface. It provides a controlled mechanical coupling that transmits vibrations from the transducer to the component while blocking external vibrations and noise from reaching the transducer, thereby improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration isolator extracts and isolates the transducer from harmful external vibrations and noise sources. By separating the transducer from the noisy environment while maintaining its functional coupling to the component, the system achieves clean vibratory response measurements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the transducer is rigidly mounted, then stable positioning is achieved, but vibration isolation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolator changes the mechanical parameters between the transducer and the component. It provides a compliant connection that maintains stable positioning while allowing relative motion to isolate the transducer from external vibrations, balancing stability and isolation requirements.
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 detection of internal defects with minimal aircraft downtime and cost, allowing inspection of installed powerplant components without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration isolator may be configured to damp vibrations with a frequency equal to or greater than thirty kilohertz
Implementation Method 2
The transducer may be configured as or otherwise include a piezoelectric device
Implementation Method 3
The transducer is configured to measure a vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations to provide sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection method is provided during which an inspection scope is arranged with a component. The inspection scope includes a transducer and a vibration isolator. The arranging of the inspection scope includes preloading the transducer against the component through the vibration isolator where the transducer contacts a surface of the component. Vibrations in the component are induced using the transducer. A vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations is measured using the transducer to provide sensor data.