Push-Lock Device for Gas Turbine Tile Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastener designs for aircraft engine insulation tiles require access to the engine substructure's backside, necessitating engine removal for installation or replacement, significantly increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A push-lock device with a housing, shaft assembly, and biasing member that allows for secure attachment and easy removal of ceramic tiles to a gas turbine engine wall without needing access to the backside, utilizing a push-down pop-up mechanism and locking-bracket mechanism to lock the tile in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current fastener designs are used to attach insulation tiles, then the tile can be securely attached to the engine substructure, but access to the backside of the substructure is required which necessitates engine removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional fastener approach by providing access to the front side of the substructure rather than the backside. The fastener mechanism is mounted on the front surface, allowing technicians to install and replace tiles from the accessible front side without requiring engine removal, thus resolving the accessibility contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - a front-mounted fastener mechanism with a retaining member that engages with the tile. This intermediary provides the secure attachment function while being accessible from the front side, eliminating the need for backside access and engine removal.
2Ease of repair
If the engine is removed to access the backside of the substructure for tile replacement, then the tile can be replaced, but costs significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the maintenance approach by making the fastener mechanism accessible from the front side rather than requiring backside access. This allows tile replacement to be performed with the engine installed, eliminating the time loss associated with engine removal and reinstallation while improving ease of repair.
3Ease of operation
If a push-down pop-up mechanism with locking-bracket mechanism is used, then the tile can be securely locked without backside access, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic fastener mechanism where the retaining member can be moved between locked and unlocked positions. The push-down pop-up mechanism allows the retaining member to be easily actuated - pushed down to lock the tile and pop up to unlock it - providing simple operation despite the mechanical complexity of the locking-bracket mechanism.
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 tile replacement without removing the engine, reducing costs and improving maintenance efficiency by allowing tile access from the front side, while maintaining secure attachment and heat protection.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member to be positioned closer to the tile than the locking-bracket mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A push-lock device for connecting a tile to a gas turbine engine wall includes, among other things, a housing extending longitudinally along an axis; a shaft assembly within the housing, the shaft assembly including portions of both a push-down pop-up mechanism and a locking-bracket mechanism, the locking-bracket mechanism moveable to a locked position such that the locking-bracket mechanism limits movement of a tile away from a gas turbine engine wall; and a biasing member to be positioned closer to the tile than the locking-bracket mechanism.