Integrated Capacitance and Optical Probe Assembly for Gas Turbine Rotors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems for gas turbine engine rotors are limited in their ability to measure multiple operational parameters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A probe assembly incorporating a capacitance probe and an optical probe, with a capacitance sensor and optical fiber, is used to measure blade tip clearance and blade time of arrival, providing a combined system for accurate and redundant parameter measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate capacitance measurement systems and optical measurement systems are used, then each system can measure its specific parameter, but the system complexity increases and multiple probes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a capacitance probe and an optical probe into a single integrated probe assembly. The capacitance sensor and optical fiber are housed together in a common structure, allowing simultaneous measurement of blade tip clearance (capacitance) and blade time of arrival (optical) through a single probe insertion point. This merging eliminates the need for separate probes and reduces system complexity while maintaining multi-parameter measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe assembly serves multiple functions: it measures both blade tip clearance and blade time of arrival parameters simultaneously. The probe housing is designed to accommodate both the capacitance sensor and optical fiber, creating a universal measurement tool that can perform multiple measurement tasks through a single device rather than requiring specialized separate probes for each parameter.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate probes are used for different measurements, then comprehensive parameter measurement is achieved, but the measurement coordination and data synchronization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple sensors into a single probe assembly, the patent ensures that all measurements are taken from the same physical location and time reference. The capacitance sensor and optical fiber are positioned together in the probe housing, which is inserted into the engine at a single point. This physical integration automatically synchronizes the measurements of blade tip clearance and blade time of arrival, eliminating coordination difficulties associated with using separate probes.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated probe is used, then system complexity is reduced and measurements are synchronized, but the probe structure becomes more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is designed as a segmented structure with distinct functional zones. The housing contains separate mounting areas for the capacitance sensor and optical fiber, allowing each component to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly. This segmentation enables modular manufacturing processes, where the capacitance sensor assembly and optical fiber assembly can be produced separately and then integrated into the final probe structure, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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 enhances measurement accuracy and redundancy by allowing simultaneous measurement of blade tip clearance and time of arrival, improving operational monitoring of gas turbine engine rotors.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitance probe includes a capacitance sensor that forms a sensor face of the probe assembly
Implementation Method 2
The optical probe includes an optical fiber projecting axially through the aperture and across the capacitance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system is provided that includes a probe assembly. The probe assembly includes a capacitance probe and an optical probe. The capacitance probe includes a capacitance sensor that forms a sensor face of the probe assembly. An aperture projects axially through the capacitance sensor to the sensor face. The optical probe is configured with an optical line of sight through the aperture into a volume adjacent the sensor face.