Robotic Gas Turbine Engine Servicing Without Full Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for servicing gas turbine engines require costly and time-consuming disassembly and inspection, limiting efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving robotic assemblies that autonomously or semi-autonomously determine workscopes, capture equipment information, and perform inspections and repairs using machine learning to generate service instructions and protocols, allowing for on-site maintenance without full disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disassembly and inspection methods are used, then thorough inspection and repair can be performed, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual disassembly and inspection with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, computer vision, and machine learning to inspect equipment in-situ. The robotic system captures images, generates 3D models, and autonomously identifies defects without requiring physical disassembly of the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital twin or 3D model of the equipment by capturing images from multiple angles and generating a virtual representation. This digital copy allows for thorough inspection and analysis without physically manipulating or disassembling the actual equipment, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining inspection quality.
2Ease of repair
If traditional disassembly methods are used, then components can be accessed for repair, but the process increases labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual disassembly procedures with an automated robotic system that can access and inspect components in-situ. The robotic system uses advanced sensors and machine learning to identify and assess defects without requiring human operators to perform complex disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system autonomously performs inspection and diagnosis tasks without requiring human intervention for each step. The system independently captures images, generates 3D models, identifies defects, and determines repair requirements, thereby reducing labor costs and simplifying the maintenance process.
3Productivity
If equipment is installed in aircraft wings, then operational readiness is maintained, but servicing becomes difficult without uninstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need to uninstall equipment for servicing with an in-situ robotic inspection system. The robotic system can access and inspect components while they remain installed in the aircraft wing, eliminating the need for uninstallation and reinstallation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs preliminary inspection and diagnosis before any repair work begins, while the equipment is still installed. This allows for proactive identification of issues and planning of repair operations without disrupting operational readiness or requiring equipment removal.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of servicing equipment including determining, by one or more computing devices, a workscope associated with the equipment; and at least partially-autonomously servicing the equipment in response to the determined workscope.