Pivoting Sensor Inspection Assembly for In-Situ Turbine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing sensors within gas turbine engines for repair or replacement is costly and time-consuming due to the need for partial or full disassembly of engine modules, often requiring removal from an airplane wing.
Innovation Solution
An inspection assembly with an elongate member and pivotable sensor member that allows installation and removal with minimal engine disassembly, utilizing a combination of linear and pivotal movements to position sensors optimally for sensing, enabling quick replacement as a line replaceable unit (LRU).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If sensors are accessed for repair or replacement, then sensor maintenance is achieved, but extensive engine disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into separate modular components: an inspection probe that can be independently inserted and removed, a sensor member that pivots relative to the probe, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the sensor-containing probe to be accessed and replaced without disassembling the entire engine, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor member is extracted from the main engine structure and placed on a movable inspection probe that can be inserted through an opening in the engine casing. This extraction allows the sensor to be accessed, inspected, and replaced by simply removing the probe through the opening, eliminating the need for extensive engine disassembly while maintaining ease of repair
2Ease of repair
If sensors are accessed for repair or replacement, then sensor maintenance is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor member is pre-positioned on the inspection probe in a ready-to-install configuration. The coupling mechanism is pre-designed to engage with the engine casing opening, allowing the entire probe assembly to be quickly inserted and secured without time-consuming disassembly steps. This preliminary preparation of the inspection system enables rapid sensor replacement, reducing maintenance time while maintaining ease of repair
3Ease of repair
If sensors are accessed for repair or replacement, then sensor maintenance is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the inspection system into a removable probe assembly, the patent enables targeted access to sensors without shutting down the entire engine or requiring costly facility modifications. The probe can be inserted through an existing opening in the engine casing, allowing sensor maintenance to be performed in-situ, which reduces operational downtime and associated costs while maintaining ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection probe is designed to be self-contained with the sensor member mounted on it, allowing the probe to be independently inserted, positioned, and removed without requiring external support structures or complex installation procedures. This self-service capability reduces the need for expensive specialized equipment and facilities, lowering operational costs while maintaining ease of sensor maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system for a gas turbine engine having an engine core, a casing, and a static aerodynamic fairing includes an inspection assembly including: an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and configured to be at least partially inserted through the static aerodynamic fairing into a portion of the engine core radially inboard of the static aerodynamic fairing; a coupler disposed proximal to the first end and configured to removably couple the elongate member to the casing; and a sensor member pivotally coupled to the elongate member at the second end and including a sensor. The sensor member is pivotable between an insertion position and a sensing position. The inspection system further includes: a guidance member located within the engine core and including a guidance surface; and a locking mechanism operatively coupled to the sensor member.