Optical Time-of-Arrival Airfoil Probe for Deflection Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine airfoils experience deflection due to inlet compression or combustion gas transients, and existing measurement methods are inadequate for accurately detecting these deflections in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An optical probe is designed to emit and receive signal beams in a V-shaped pattern, allowing for the measurement of airfoil deflection by analyzing the time of arrival of reflected signals from multiple locations on the airfoil, utilizing optical fibers and lenses to convert optical signals into electrical pulses for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing measurement methods are used to detect airfoil deflection, then the measurement system is simpler, but the measurement precision and real-time detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe segments the measurement function into multiple optical fibers (transmitting and receiving fibers) arranged in a specific pattern. Each fiber performs a specific function (transmitting light to specific locations on the airfoil, receiving reflected light from specific locations), enabling precise deflection measurement through distributed optical channels while keeping each individual fiber simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary elements between the measurement system and the airfoil. The optical fibers transmit light signals to and from the airfoil surface, enabling non-contact, high-precision deflection measurement without mechanical coupling that would complicate the system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical channel is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to measure multiple locations and calculate time of arrival is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe implements multi-functionality by using multiple optical channels (transmitting and receiving optical fibers) that can simultaneously measure deflection at multiple locations on the airfoil. The same basic optical fiber structure serves multiple measurement points, enabling versatile measurement capability while maintaining structural consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-point spatial distribution approach by arranging optical fibers in a specific geometric pattern. This spatial dimensionality enables simultaneous measurement at multiple locations and facilitates time of arrival calculations for deflection analysis
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 optical probe effectively determines airfoil deflection by calculating the time of arrival of reflected signals, enabling precise measurement of airfoil characteristics and deflection, even under transient conditions, thereby improving the monitoring of gas turbine engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting lens configured to output a first transmitted signal beam and a second transmitted signal beam
Implementation Method 2
a receiving lens configured to receive the first and second reflected signal beams
Implementation Method 3
at least one transmitting optical fiber disposed in the transmitting channel and at least one receiving optical fiber disposed in the receiving channel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical probe includes an optical housing, a transmitting lens and a receiving lens. The optical housing extends from a proximate end to an opposing distal end. The transmitting lens is disposed at the distal end and is configured to output a first transmitted signal beams having a first transmission axis and a second transmitted beam having a second transmission axis that is different from the first transmission axis. The receiving lens is disposed at the distal end and configured to receive the first and second reflected signal beams corresponding respectively to the first and second transmitted signal beams. The optical housing has formed therein a transmitting optical channel configured to communicate an input optical signal from the proximate end to the transmitting lens. A receiving optical channel separated from the transmitting optical channel communicates the first and second reflected signal beams to the proximate end.