In-Situ Vibration Inspection of Internal Powerplant Components

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection methods for internal defects in powerplant components are inefficient and require disassembly, leading to high downtime and costs.

Innovation Solution

A non-destructive inspection method using an adhered inspection device with a piezoelectric actuator and sensor that induces vibrations in the component, measuring vibratory responses to detect defects without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional inspection methods are used to detect internal defects in powerplant components, then defect detection capability is achieved, but component disassembly is required leading to high downtime and costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidaircraft downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device uses a piezoelectric actuator to generate mechanical vibrations that propagate through the powerplant component. By analyzing the vibratory response characteristics, internal defects can be detected without disassembly. The actuator induces vibrations at specific frequencies, and changes in the vibratory response indicate the presence of defects such as cracks or voids within the component structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical disassembly-based inspection methods with a vibration-based non-destructive testing approach. Instead of physically accessing internal components through disassembly, the system uses piezoelectric actuators and sensors to excite and measure vibrations, substituting mechanical intrusion with field-based measurement techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional inspection methods are used to detect internal defects in powerplant components, then defect detection capability is achieved, but inspection complexity and cost increase due to disassembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidinspection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection device uses a piezoelectric actuator to generate mechanical vibrations that propagate through the powerplant component. By analyzing the vibratory response characteristics, internal defects can be detected without disassembly. The actuator induces vibrations at specific frequencies, and changes in the vibratory response indicate the presence of defects such as cracks or voids within the component structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical disassembly-based inspection methods with a vibration-based non-destructive testing approach. Instead of physically accessing internal components through disassembly, the system uses piezoelectric actuators and sensors to excite and measure vibrations, substituting mechanical intrusion with field-based measurement techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If an adhered inspection device is used for in-situ inspection, then aircraft downtime is reduced, but the inspection device must be effectively removed after inspection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidinspection device removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive used to attach the inspection device is selected or designed to change its bonding properties under specific conditions. This could involve temperature-dependent behavior, time-dependent degradation, or response to specific chemicals, allowing the device to be firmly attached during inspection but easily removed afterward without damaging the powerplant component surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient detection of internal defects with minimal aircraft downtime and cost, allowing in-situ inspection of powerplant components.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator may be configured as or otherwise include a piezoelectric device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The sensor may be configured as or otherwise include a piezoelectric device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250341496A1Inspecting internal powerplant component using adhered inspection device(s)

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 RTX CORP

AI summary

An inspection method is provided during which an inspection device is inserted into an interior of a powerplant using a tool. The inspection device includes an actuator. The powerplant includes a component disposed within the interior of the powerplant. The inspection device is adhered to the component within the interior of the powerplant. Vibrations are induced in the component using the actuator. A vibratory response is measured in the component excited by the vibrations using a sensor to provide sensor data. A characteristic of the component is determined based on the sensor data.