Rigidizable Insertion Tool for Gas Turbine Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines require dedicated insertion tools for each annular opening, which vary in size, making it inefficient and costly to service the complex pathways within these engines.
Innovation Solution
A rigidizable insertion tool with a plurality of adjacent segments that can be selectively rigidized to access confined cavities within gas turbine engines, featuring translational joints that allow for multiple pivot axes and prevent sticking during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated insertion tools are used for each annular opening, then the tool can precisely fit the specific opening size, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is designed with an adjustable diameter mechanism that allows a single tool to fit multiple annular openings of different sizes. The tool can be adjusted to match various opening dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated tools while maintaining precise fit for each specific opening size.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through its adjustable diameter mechanism, allowing the tool's size to be changed during operation. This dynamic adaptability enables the same tool to serve multiple functions across different opening sizes, reducing the overall number of tools required.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the insertion tool is made rigid, then it provides structural stability, but it cannot access confined cavities through complex pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the tool to bend and navigate complex pathways while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented design enables the tool to access confined cavities through flexible movement, yet rigidize when needed for stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool's rigidity parameter can be changed dynamically - it can transition between flexible and rigid states. This allows the tool to be flexible during insertion through complex pathways, then rigidize once positioned to provide structural stability for inspection or maintenance operations.
3Device complexity
If the insertion tool uses simple joints, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tool may stick during operation in complex pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The joints connecting the tool segments are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing continuous adjustment during movement through complex pathways. This dynamic joint design prevents sticking by enabling the tool to adapt its configuration in real-time, navigating tight spaces without getting caught, while adding only minimal complexity to the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A rigidizable insertion tool includes a first segment having a pin extension and a second segment having a pin slot that is elongated. The first segment and the second segment are connected via a joint comprising the pin extension of the first segment and the pin slot of the second segment. The pin extension is movable between a proximal end and a distal end of the pin slot with movement of the first segment relative to the second segment.