Polymer Claw Extracting Tool for Turbomachine Splitter Nose
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for disassembling metal pieces in turbomachines, such as the splitter nose in turbofan engines, fail to provide a secure grip, leading to potential deformation and damage of the metal piece and surrounding components due to the use of steel claws, which are not effective in holding the piece securely during extraction.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a rod, a claw at one end, and a gripping member with a projecting portion to securely hold the metal piece at two opposite edges, utilizing a polymeric material for the claw to prevent damage and a tightening mechanism to maintain grip, allowing for efficient extraction without damaging the piece or surrounding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a steel claw is used to grip the metal piece, then the gripping force is strong, but the metal piece and surrounding components are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric material is introduced as an intermediary between the steel claw and the aluminum metal piece. This polymer layer transmits the gripping force while preventing direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby avoiding damage to both the metal piece and the surrounding components during extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The extracting tool employs a composite structure combining steel (for structural strength and gripping force) with polymeric material (for gentle contact and damage prevention). This composite approach allows the tool to exert sufficient force while protecting the delicate aluminum components
2Device complexity
If a single claw is used to hold the metal piece, then the tool structure is simple, but the metal piece may fall off during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping function is segmented into multiple contact points: a first claw engages with a first edge of the metal piece while a second claw engages with a second edge. This segmentation of the gripping function ensures secure holding of the metal piece during extraction without requiring excessive structural complexity
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 effectively prevents the metal piece from falling off and being deformed during extraction, reducing damage to the piece and surrounding components, and allows for easier and more secure removal from the turbomachine, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a claw (312) formed by a polymeric material and arranged to bear against a downstream edge (152) of the splitter nose (15)
Implementation Method 2
a tightening mechanism (330) for keeping the gripping member (320) bearing against the splitter nose (15) and the first stop (310)
Data Source
AI summary
An extracting tool for extracting a metal piece located in an aerodynamic stream of a turbomachine, such as a flow splitter nose, includes a rod; a first stop located at a distal end of the rod and provided with a claw for bearing against a first edge of the metal piece; a gripping member translationally mounted to the rod and including a first projecting portion arranged to receive a second, opposite edge of the metal piece; a tightening mechanism configured to keep the gripping member bearing against the metal piece and the first stop.