Powered Total Pressure Measurement Rake for Turbine Engine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the total pressure field of a turbofan nozzle propulsive stream are inefficient, requiring manual repositioning of fixed rakes, which is time-consuming and prone to variations due to environmental or engine setting changes, necessitating engine shutdown and multiple days of data collection.
Innovation Solution
A powered total pressure measurement rake system with a carriage and pressure probes mounted on a track, allowing azimuthal positioning and telemetry-driven data transmission, enabling continuous measurement without engine shutdown, using a motor and friction drive for precise positioning and a telemetry unit for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual repositioning of fixed rakes is used, then measurement coverage is achieved, but measurement time and data variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed rake system into a dynamic movable carriage system that can be repositioned along a track. The carriage moves on command to different azimuthal positions, allowing continuous measurement without engine shutdown. This dynamic positioning capability eliminates the time loss associated with manual repositioning while maintaining measurement precision through controlled, repeatable positioning at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement action by allowing the engine to remain operating throughout the entire data collection process. The movable carriage can be repositioned without shutting down the engine, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous useful action. This continuity prevents variations in ambient environment or engine settings between measurements, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing total data acquisition time.
2Measurement precision
If engine shutdown is required for rake repositioning, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically repositions the carriage along the track while the engine remains operating. The motorized positioning mechanism provides controlled movement to precise azimuthal locations without requiring engine shutdown. This maintains measurement precision through controlled positioning while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating shutdown interruptions and enabling continuous data collection across multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement action by allowing the engine to remain operating throughout the entire data collection process. The movable carriage can be repositioned without shutting down the engine, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous useful action. This continuity prevents variations in ambient environment or engine settings between measurements, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing total data acquisition time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fixed rakes are used, then complete pressure field sampling is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single movable carriage that can occupy multiple positions along the track, effectively replacing the need for multiple fixed rakes. This single multi-functional device can survey the entire pressure field by moving to different azimuthal locations, thereby achieving complete pressure field sampling while reducing device complexity and the operational difficulty of managing multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static multiple-fixed-rakes configuration into a single dynamic carriage that moves along a track. This dynamic single device can access all the same measurement positions as multiple fixed devices would provide, achieving complete pressure field coverage while significantly reducing system complexity from managing multiple separate fixed installations to controlling one movable unit.
4Measurement precision
If manual positioning increments are used, then measurement locations are sampled, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated motorized carriage that moves along the track on command. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical control maintains precise positioning at required locations while dramatically improving ease of operation. The motorized system eliminates the labor intensity of manual handling and positioning, allowing operators to simply command position changes without physical manipulation of heavy equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for total pressure measurement of a propulsive stream through a turbine engine, the system incorporates a track circumferentially mounted on a fan exhaust nozzle proximate a trailing edge. A carriage is mounted in the track and adapted for translation through a range of azimuthal angles relative to an engine centerline. A pressure measurement rake extends from the carriage and has a probe mount protruding radially inward into a fan flow duct with a plurality of pressure probes mounted to a leading edge of the probe mount.