Metallic Mesh Support for Fire Detection Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support arrangements for fire and overheat detection systems in gas turbines face challenges at high temperatures, where materials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lose mechanical properties or melt, limiting their ability to dampen vibrations and maintain sensor element support.
Innovation Solution
A support arrangement using a metallic mesh body with a selected damping coefficient, formed from materials like stainless steel or nickel alloys, which compressively supports sensor elements and maintains mechanical properties above 300°C, providing effective vibration damping and preventing wear through an anti-abrasion coating and secure fixation via brazing or welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymeric materials or PTFE are used to support sensor elements, then vibration damping is provided at normal temperatures, but the materials become brittle or melt at high temperatures above 300°C, losing their mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from polymeric/PTFE to metallic material, which fundamentally alters the temperature-dependent mechanical properties. Metallic materials maintain their damping coefficient and mechanical strength at temperatures above 300°C where polymeric materials become brittle or melt, thus resolving the temperature limitation while preserving vibration damping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a metallic mesh body combined with an anti-abrasion coating. This composite material approach provides both the high-temperature structural integrity of metal and enhanced wear resistance through the coating, achieving reliable vibration damping across extreme temperature ranges
2Temperature
If metallic materials are used to support sensor elements at high temperatures, then mechanical properties are maintained above 300°C, but wear and foreign object damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an anti-abrasion coating on the metallic mesh body, creating a composite material system. The metallic core provides high-temperature structural stability, while the coating layer specifically addresses wear and foreign object damage risks, thus resolving the harmful effects associated with metallic materials at high temperatures
3Measurement precision
If sensor elements are mounted close to the engine, then detection accuracy is improved, but direct contact with hot surfaces causes material degradation and sensor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic mesh support arrangement serves as an intermediary between the sensor element and the hot engine environment. It provides mechanical support and vibration damping while maintaining thermal separation, allowing the sensor to operate close to the engine for improved detection accuracy without direct contact damage from hot surfaces
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 metallic mesh support arrangement ensures continuous fire and overheat detection capabilities at high temperatures, maintaining sensor element stability and vibration damping without the limitations of PTFE materials, reducing the risk of foreign object damage and wear.
Implementation Method 1
configured to mechanically dampen vibration communicated by the gas turbine engine to the sensor element
Implementation Method 2
The anti-abrasion coating on the metallic mesh body limits wear between the metallic mesh body and the sensor element
Data Source
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AI summary
A support arrangement include a mount, a cover, and a metallic mesh body. The mount has a base portion and a mount clamping portion. The cover has a plate portion and a cover clamping portion, the cover fixed to the base portion of the mount and the cover clamping portion registered to the mount clamping portion. The metallic mesh body is arranged between the mount clamping portion and the cover clamping portion to compressively support a sensor element between the mount clamping portion and the cover clamping portion. Fire and overheat detection systems, gas turbine engines with fire and overheat detection systems, and methods of making support arrangements for fire and overheat detection systems are also described.