Laser Rotor Blade Detector with Adaptive Hold-Off Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-interference stress measurement systems (NSMSs) are not capable of collecting structural data from gas turbine engine components during in-flight operations due to their large and heavy design, requiring human operator involvement, which leads to decreased accuracy and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A method for collecting structural data from rotating gas turbine engine components using a laser-based system that automatically measures blade intervals, generates a blade arrival signal, and implements an active hold-off time interval to reduce data errors, allowing for in-flight data collection with increased precision and repeatability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known NSMSs are configured for test stand applications with ground-based electronics and fiber optic cables, then data collection capability is provided, but the system becomes large and heavy, cannot be mounted to airframe for in-flight operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy ground-based electronics and fiber optic cable infrastructure from the system, retaining only the essential laser detector components that can be mounted on the airframe. This extraction enables in-flight operation by removing the bulky components that prevented airframe mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber optic cable connection system with a wireless optical detection system using laser beams. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable connections, reducing weight and enabling flexible mounting on moving airframes during flight.
2Measurement precision
If known NSMSs require human operator calibration and coordination, then operation is possible, but accuracy and repeatability of measurements decrease due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically calibrates and coordinates its own operation. The laser detector system autonomously performs measurements without requiring human operator intervention for calibration or coordination, thereby eliminating human error and improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors and adjusts its own operation based on real-time data. This automated feedback loop replaces manual operator calibration, ensuring consistent and repeatable measurements by eliminating human variability.
3Measurement precision
If known NSMSs use fixed hold-off periods for vibration data, then data collection is simplified, but accuracy decreases due to inability to adapt to varying engine conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed hold-off period into a dynamic, adaptive parameter that automatically adjusts based on real-time engine operating conditions. The system dynamically modifies the hold-off period to match varying rotor speeds and blade passage frequencies, improving data accuracy without requiring complex manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the hold-off period is automatically adjusted based on real-time detection of blade passage events and rotor speed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt the hold-off period to current operating conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment while improving measurement accuracy.
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 precise and repeatable collection of structural data from rotating engine components during flight, reducing operator-induced errors and improving data accuracy by automating the hold-off period adjustments based on engine speed.
Implementation Method 1
directing a beam of light at the blades of the rotor using a laser, sensing light reflected from the blades
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes rotating a rotor, measuring a rotor rotational time for the rotor to complete a revolution, determining a blade interval by dividing the rotor rotational time by a number of blades carried on the rotor, establishing an active hold-off time interval as a percentage of the blade interval time, directing a beam of light at the blades of the rotor using a laser, sensing light reflected from the blades, generating an output signal as a function of the sensed light, establishing a signal amplitude threshold, analyzing an amplitude of the output signal to trigger the active hold-off time interval when the amplitude reaches the signal amplitude threshold, and generating a blade arrival signal as a function of triggered active hold-off time intervals. The output signal is not analyzed within each active hold-off time interval.