Robotic Engine Servicing Kitting for On-Wing Inspection and Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for servicing gas turbine engines require costly and time-consuming disassembly and inspection, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when performed on-wing or near-wing.

Innovation Solution

A robotic assembly is equipped with parts and tooling based on a determined workscope, allowing it to autonomously or semi-autonomously perform inspection and repair tasks, including navigation and tool management, using kitting stations and computing devices to optimize logistics and reduce storage needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual servicing methods are used, then human operators can perform inspection and repair tasks, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly due to engine uninstallation and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservicing efficiencyVSAvoidservicing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical servicing operations with an autonomous robotic system equipped with sensors, manipulators, and computing devices. The robotic assembly autonomously performs inspection and repair tasks on gas turbine engines without requiring human operators to physically disassemble or handle the engine components, thereby dramatically reducing servicing time and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic assembly is designed to autonomously determine workscopes, select appropriate parts and tooling, and execute servicing tasks without continuous human intervention. The system uses onboard sensors to detect engine conditions, computing devices to process information and make decisions, and manipulators to perform physical tasks, enabling the system to service engines independently and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of repair

If engine uninstallation and disassembly are performed to access components for inspection and repair, then complete servicing can be achieved, but the complexity of the servicing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to componentsVSAvoidservicing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic assembly replaces complex manual disassembly procedures with automated manipulators that can access and service engine components in place. The system uses sensors to navigate and identify components, and robotic manipulators to perform repair tasks without requiring the engine to be disassembled, thereby simplifying the overall servicing process while maintaining complete access to all necessary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional servicing methods are used, then all inspection and repair tasks can be performed, but the cost of servicing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of inspection and repairVSAvoidservicing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous robotic system replaces expensive manual servicing operations with automated processes. The robotic assembly uses sensors to perform precise inspections, computing devices to analyze data and determine appropriate repairs, and manipulators to execute repair tasks. This automation reduces labor costs and increases consistency and reliability of servicing quality while eliminating the need for costly engine uninstallation and disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If human operators perform servicing tasks, then flexible decision-making can be applied, but safety risks increase when working in hazardous environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecision-making flexibilityVSAvoidsafety risks in hazardous environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic assembly replaces human operators in hazardous environments, eliminating safety risks associated with working around running engines, hot surfaces, and moving parts. The system uses sensors to detect environmental conditions and engine states, computing devices to process information and make flexible decisions based on real-time data, and manipulators to perform tasks safely without exposing human workers to dangerous conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20220135253A1Systems and methods of servicing equipment

Publication Date: 2022.05.05 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A method of kitting a robotic assembly for servicing aviation equipment including determining a current workscope associated with the equipment; determining at least one of parts and tooling associated with the current workscope; equipping the robotic assembly with at least some of the determined parts, tooling, or both; and the robotic assembly at least partially autonomously servicing the equipment using the equipped parts, tooling, or both.