Modular Probe Strut for Gas Turbine Inlet Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring performance characteristics like pressure and temperature at the inlet of gas turbine engines are cumbersome to install, remove, and repair, significantly reducing testing efficiency due to the need for extensive disassembly and reassembly.
Innovation Solution
An inlet assembly with a probe strut system that can be securely attached to the hub and outer case portions of the engine without removing the inlet case, featuring probes for measuring airflow characteristics and a data acquisition module for centralized data collection, allowing for easy installation, removal, and relocation without disassembling the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional inlet measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is provided, but installation and removal require significant disassembly and reassembly of the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate modular components: probe struts that can be independently installed on case struts, a data acquisition module that interfaces with the probes, and connection interfaces that enable quick attachment and detachment. This segmentation allows the measurement system to be installed and removed without disassembling the engine inlet case.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe struts are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can attach to various case struts using standardized interfaces (bolts, pins, or other fastening mechanisms). The data acquisition module can interface with multiple probe types, making the system adaptable to different measurement configurations without requiring engine disassembly.
2Productivity
If traditional inlet measurement systems are used, then performance characteristics can be measured, but testing efficiency is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The probe struts are pre-configured with attachment mechanisms (bolts, pins, or other fastening means) and connection interfaces that enable rapid installation. The data acquisition module is pre-wired or pre-configured to interface with the probes, allowing the entire measurement system to be quickly deployed without time-consuming assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from a static, permanently installed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where probe struts can be quickly attached and detached. This dynamic capability allows the system to be rapidly deployed for testing and just as rapidly removed or reconfigured, dramatically improving testing efficiency.
3Ease of repair
If traditional inlet measurement systems are used, then sensors can measure airflow characteristics, but repair and replacement require inlet case removal
Solution Approach 1:
The probe struts are designed as independent, replaceable modules that can be serviced separately from the engine inlet case. Each probe strut contains its own sensors and mounting hardware, allowing individual probe struts to be removed, repaired, or replaced without affecting other components or requiring inlet case disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe struts are equipped with self-contained mounting mechanisms (bolts, pins, or other fastening means) that enable maintenance personnel to quickly attach replacement probe struts using standardized procedures and tools, without requiring specialized engine disassembly procedures or extensive technical expertise.
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
This solution enhances testing efficiency by allowing flexible measurement and data collection at the inlet section with reduced installation time and enabling repair/replacement of probe struts without removing the inlet case, improving data consistency and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
probes extending therefrom configured to measure one or more characteristics of an airflow past the one or more probes
Implementation Method 2
probes extending therefrom configured to measure one or more characteristics of an airflow past the one or more probes
Implementation Method 3
probes extending therefrom configured to measure one or more characteristics of an airflow past the one or more probes
Implementation Method 4
data acquisition module located at the hub portion and operably connected to the probe to collect sensed data therefrom
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A performance measurement system (56) of an inlet of a gas turbine engine includes a probe strut (58) configured for installation to a case strut (52) of an inlet case (46) of a gas turbine engine. The probe strut (58) includes one or more probes (64) extending therefrom configured to measure one or more characteristics of an airflow past the one or more probes (64), a first attachment point configured to secure the probe strut (58) to a hub portion (48) of the inlet case (46), and a second attachment point configured to secure the probe strut (58) to an outer case portion (50) of the inlet case (46). A data acquisition module (92) is located at a central longitudinal axis of the inlet and is operably connected to the probe (64) to collect sensed data therefrom. The probe strut (58) and the data acquisition module (92) are configured to be installed, removed, and/or relocated without removal of the inlet case from the gas turbine engine.