Modular Flexible Insertion Tool for Gas Turbine Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insertion tools for gas turbine engines require multiple specialized components to accommodate varying annular openings, leading to increased complexity and cost in maintenance and inspection operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising first and second flexible continua that combine to form a rigid structure with selectively arranged geometry, allowing for adjustable shape and curvature to fit various cavity shapes without requiring precise longitudinal accuracy, facilitated by a variable engagement mechanism for shaping and joining the continua.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized insertion tools are used to accommodate varying annular openings, then the tool can fit different cavity shapes, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is divided into multiple modular segments that can be selectively assembled and configured. Each segment can be attached or detached to adapt the tool's overall shape and curvature, allowing a single base tool to accommodate various annular opening sizes and geometries without requiring multiple complete specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically change the tool's geometry. The modular segments allow the tool to be reconfigured between uses, transitioning from one shape to another to match different cavity requirements, replacing the need for static specialized tools for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized insertion tools are maintained, then each cavity shape can be accommodated precisely, but the cost and time for maintenance operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is designed as a universal multi-functional system where a single base tool can perform multiple functions by attaching different modular segments. This eliminates the need to maintain and switch between multiple specialized tools, reducing both the time required for tool selection and the overall cost of maintenance operations while maintaining the ability to accommodate various cavity shapes.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid structured tools are used, then manufacturing precision can be ensured, but the tools cannot adapt to varying annular opening geometries
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tool into modular components, each individual segment can be manufactured with high precision using standard rigid manufacturing processes. The segmented design allows these precisely manufactured parts to be reconfigured into different overall geometries, combining the benefits of manufacturing precision with shape adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool system (100) for inserting into a cavity, the tool system including a first continuum (102) having a flexible body defining a connection interface; and a second continuum (104) having a flexible body defining a connection interface (106); and an engagement mechanism (118) configured to couple the connection interfaces (106) of the first (102) and second (104) continua together to form the tool (100).