Robotic Air Scribe for Gas Turbine Blade Internal Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The periodic servicing of gas turbine engine airfoil elements, such as rotor blades and stator vanes, is time-consuming and costly due to clogged internal cooling passage systems, which require effective methods to dislodge accumulated material and debris.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus featuring a vibration mechanism, such as an air scribe or air hammer, connected to a robotic arm, vibrates a tip member at frequencies between 10,000 to 15,000 cycles per minute to dislodge material within the airfoil elements' internal cooling passages, combined with a vice for secure grasping and backstop members for stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cleaning methods (autoclave cleaning, high pressure fluid flushing, ultrasonic cleaning) are used, then cleaning capability is provided, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidservicing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration mechanism (air scribe or air hammer) that vibrates a tip member at frequencies between 10,000 to 15,000 cycles per minute to dislodge accumulated material from internal cooling passages. This mechanical vibration method provides effective cleaning capability while reducing the time required compared to traditional autoclave or ultrasonic cleaning methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If traditional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning capability is provided, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidservicing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration mechanism using air scribe or air hammer technology provides effective cleaning of internal passages through mechanical vibration at controlled frequencies. This method reduces servicing costs by being more efficient than traditional autoclave cleaning while maintaining reliable cleaning capability for removing accumulated material and debris.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Productivity

If high vibration frequency (10,000-15,000 cycles per minute) is applied, then material dislodgment effectiveness is improved, but risk of damage to airfoil element increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial dislodgment effectivenessVSAvoidairfoil element integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration mechanism operates at a controlled frequency range of 10,000 to 15,000 cycles per minute, which is sufficient to dislodge accumulated material from internal cooling passages while being controlled to avoid damage to the airfoil element structure. The robotic arm provides precise positioning to ensure the vibration is applied only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual cleaning methods with an automated robotic system that precisely controls the application of vibration. This substitution allows for consistent, controlled vibration application that maintains effectiveness while minimizing risk of damage through automated precision and repeatability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method efficiently dislodges and removes accumulated material and debris from the internal cooling passages, reducing the time and cost associated with servicing airfoil elements by effectively clearing obstructions within the gas turbine engine.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration mechanism, such as an air scribe or air hammer, connected to a robotic arm, vibrates a tip member at frequencies between 10,000 to 15,000 cycles per minute to dislodge material within the airfoil elements' internal cooling passages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3666405B1Apparatus and method for cleaning internal cavities of blades

Publication Date: 2023.05.31 RTX CORP

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AI summary

An apparatus for dislodging material (400) within an airfoil element is disclosed. In various embodiments, the apparatus (400) includes a robotic arm (402) configured for multi-axis movement of a mounting head (406) with respect to the airfoil element; a vibration mechanism (408) connected to the mounting head (406); and a tip member (412) connected to the vibration mechanism (408) and configured for vibratory contact with a surface of the airfoil element.