Reciprocating Insertion Tool for Confined-Space Grinding Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insertion tools experience significant deflection and tangential friction forces during grinding operations, leading to difficulty in controlling the position of the end effector relative to the workpiece, particularly in confined spaces like turbine engines.

Innovation Solution

The insertion tool employs a reciprocating motion mechanism with angular and axial oscillations, driven by a flexible section that can be rigidized to maintain precise positioning, combined with a vibration control mechanism to minimize tool misalignment and excessive vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional insertion tools perform grinding operations in confined spaces, then the end effector can service the workpiece, but significant deflection and tangential friction forces occur leading to difficulty in controlling the position of the end effector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of end effector positionVSAvoidposition precision of end effector

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic motion (reciprocating oscillation) to the end effector instead of static positioning. The end effector oscillates in a reciprocating motion pattern with controlled amplitude and frequency, which reduces the effective contact time and minimizes the accumulation of deflection and friction effects during grinding operations, thereby improving position control in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector performs periodic reciprocating oscillations rather than continuous motion. This periodic action allows the tool to engage and disengage rhythmically from the workpiece, reducing continuous friction forces and enabling better control over the grinding process while maintaining precision in confined engine interiors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the insertion tool is made flexible to reach confined spaces, then accessibility to workpiece is improved, but tool deflection increases making precise positioning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to confined spacesVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible section of the tool is actuated to oscillate dynamically rather than remain static. This dynamic oscillation compensates for the flexibility-induced deflection by creating a controlled motion pattern that maintains precise effective positioning at the end effector, allowing the tool to reach confined spaces while preserving positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motion parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase) of the flexible section to optimize performance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the tool achieves both flexibility for accessing confined engine interiors and precision for accurate end effector positioning through controlled oscillatory behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the end effector is driven to oscillate at high frequency, then control over end effector position is improved, but excessive vibration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial oscillation amplitude rather than full-range motion. The end effector oscillates with controlled, limited amplitude that is sufficient to improve position control and reduce friction effects, but not so large as to generate excessive vibration that would be harmful to the workpiece or tool

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback control to monitor and adjust the oscillation parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism detects vibration levels and adjusts the oscillation frequency and amplitude accordingly, maintaining optimal control precision while preventing excessive vibration that could damage the workpiece or tool

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 reciprocating motion insertion tool reduces end effector movement relative to the workpiece, enhancing control and reducing tool deflection and vibration, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of servicing operations in confined spaces.

Implementation Method 1

The reciprocating motion insertion tool reduces end effector movement relative to the workpiece, enhancing control and reducing tool deflection and vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReciprocating motion: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 2

combined with a vibration control mechanism to minimize tool misalignment and excessive vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration control: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4635676A1Reciprocating motion insertion tool

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A reciprocating motion insertion tool (100) include a flexible section (210), an end effector actuator (202), a connector (206) within the flexible section (210) and coupled to the end effector actuator (202), and an end effector (214) coupled to a distal end (216) of the flexible section (210), wherein the end effector (214) is configured to move in a reciprocating motion (at a select reciprocation rate when driven by the end effector actuator (202).