Modular Tool Assembly for Gas Turbine Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing components from carriers in gas turbine engines are often bulky, unwieldy, and require multiple tools, making them difficult to handle in tight spaces and inefficient for servicing.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly comprising a tool head, an adaptor, and an actuator, where the tool head is configured to couple with the component, and the adaptor and actuator are connected via quick couplers, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without tools, enabling the removal of components by pushing the component off the carrier using a hydraulic ram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different removal tools are used for different components, then each component can be removed effectively, but the device complexity and number of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple different tool heads through quick couplers, allowing a single adaptor body to perform multiple removal functions for different component types (bearings, seals, etc.), thereby reducing the total number of tools needed while maintaining component-specific removal capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is divided into modular components: a standardized adaptor body and interchangeable tool heads specific to different component types. This segmentation allows the system to handle various components with different specialized heads while sharing the common adaptor and actuator mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If traditional removal tools are used, then removal function is achieved, but the tools are bulky and unwieldy to handle in tight confines
Solution Approach 1:
The tool heads and other components are designed to nest within or attach to the adaptor body, which itself attaches to the actuator. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall tool volume and allows the components to be stored compactly when not in use, making them easier to handle in confined engine spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is extracted as a separate, remotely operated component that can be positioned outside the tight confines of the engine, with only the compact adaptor and tool head needing to fit within the engine space, thereby separating the bulky actuation mechanism from the confined work area
3Loss of time
If quick couplers are used for attachment, then tool assembly time is reduced, but the coupling mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupler employs a dynamic locking mechanism with movable lugs and corresponding recesses that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged through simple rotational or linear motion, providing fast tool head changes without requiring complex fastening procedures or multiple fasteners
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 tool assembly allows for efficient and streamlined removal of components from gas turbine engines, reducing the need for multiple tools and improving handling in confined spaces, enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may be configured as a hydraulic jack with a piston configured to move the ram longitudinally along the centerline
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool assembly (20) is provided for removing a component (22) from a carrier (24). The component circumscribes and is mounted on the carrier. The tool assembly includes a tool head (28), an adaptor (29) and an actuator (30). The tool head is configured to couple to the component. The adaptor extends longitudinally along a centerline between an adaptor first end and an adaptor second end. The adaptor is attachable to the tool head at the adaptor first end by a first quick coupler (96). The actuator includes a housing and a ram (210). The housing is attachable to the adaptor at the adaptor second end by a second quick coupler (172). The ram extends longitudinally along the centerline within the adaptor and the tool head to a ram distal end. The ram distal end is configured to engage the carrier.