Rigidizable Insertion Tool for Reliable Pneumatic End-Effector Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion tools for engine servicing face limitations in accessing confined areas within engines, necessitating a need for improved flexibility and reliability in transferring motion to a distal rotary end effector while maintaining the ability to rigidize for repair operations.
Innovation Solution
A selectively rigidizable insertion tool with a flexible section and a rotary end effector, utilizing multiple shafts and shaft couplings, allowing for flexible path options and reliable torque transmission, which can be initially flexible for easy insertion and then rigidized for stabilization during repair operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible section is used to access confined areas, then accessibility is improved, but torque transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool employs a dynamically rigidizable flexible section that can transition between flexible and rigid states. During insertion, the flexible section remains flexible to navigate confined areas. During operation, the flexible section is rigidized to ensure reliable torque transmission to the end effector, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and torque transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible section's rigidity parameter is changed based on operational requirements. By adjusting the rigidity of the flexible section from low during insertion to high during operation, the system achieves both good accessibility during insertion and reliable torque transmission during operation.
2Reliability
If multiple shafts and shaft couplings are used to transfer motion, then torque transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into multiple shafts and shaft couplings distributed along the insertion tool. This segmentation allows torque to be transmitted reliably through multiple discrete components rather than a single complex mechanism, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple shafts are nested within the flexible section structure, with shaft couplings positioned at strategic locations. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple torque transmission elements without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible section is rigidized for repair operations, then operational stability is improved, but ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible section is designed to be dynamically adjustable between flexible and rigid states. During insertion, it remains flexible for easy navigation. During repair operations, it is rigidized to provide operational stability, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidization of the flexible section is performed as a preliminary action before the repair operation begins. This allows the tool to be inserted in its flexible state and then transformed into a stable operational configuration, ensuring both ease of insertion and operational stability.
4Reliability
If a rigid structure is used for torque transmission, then torque transmission reliability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically rigidizable structure that transitions from flexible during insertion to rigid during operation. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to provide flexibility when needed for access and reliability for torque transmission when needed, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and torque transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the flexible section is changed based on operational phase. During insertion, low rigidity provides flexibility for access. During operation, high rigidity ensures reliable torque transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and torque transmission reliability.
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 on-wing repair of aircraft engines by providing enhanced flexibility and reliability in accessing confined engine spaces, reducing downtime and maintenance costs through improved motion transfer and tool durability.
Implementation Method 1
an end effector actuator including at least one pneumatic turbine configured to transform fluid force of a fluid from the fluid path into torque to drive a rotation of the end effector
Implementation Method 2
a flexible section including a plurality of rigidizable links... configured to transfer force from an end effector actuator... to the end effector to cause a rotation of the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion tool is provided. The tool includes a flexible section a rigidization actuator configured to actuate the flexible section between a rigidized state and a relaxed state, wherein in the rigidized state, a fluid path is formed within the flexible section, an end effector coupled to the flexible section, and an end effector actuator comprising at least one pneumatic turbine configured to transform fluid force of a fluid from the fluid path into torque to drive a rotation of the end effector.