Robotic Aero Gas Turbine Engine Washing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine washing technologies are labor-intensive, costly, and require multiple manifolds to accommodate various aircraft engine designs, leading to increased storage needs and operational inefficiencies, while also risking accidental damage to aircraft components during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A universal, no-contact manifold system utilizing a robotic arm for positioning and a smaller, multi-size capable spray head that eliminates the need for design-specific manifolds, reducing storage space and labor requirements, and enhancing safety by minimizing physical contact with the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If design-specific manifolds are used for various aircraft engine designs, then washing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and storage needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized manifold that can be used across multiple aircraft engine types. The manifold features a universal mounting interface and adjustable spray nozzle positioning system that adapts to different engine configurations without requiring design-specific manifolds, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining washing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through an adjustable and reconfigurable manifold system. The spray nozzles can be repositioned along the manifold length, and mounting positions can be adjusted to accommodate different engine inlet geometries. This dynamic adaptability allows one manifold design to serve multiple engine types effectively
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple design-specific manifolds are stored for different engine types, then adaptability to various engines is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized manifold design with universal mounting capabilities eliminates the need to store multiple different manifold types for different engine configurations. A single manifold unit can be deployed across the entire fleet, reducing storage requirements from storing N different manifold designs to storing just one
3Ease of operation
If manual installation and removal of manifolds is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but labor time and risk of accidental damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical installation and removal operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm equipped with grippers automatically positions, installs, and removes the standardized manifold, eliminating manual labor while reducing installation time and minimizing the risk of accidental damage to aircraft components
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
The solution simplifies and speeds up the engine washing process, reduces storage needs, lowers operational costs, and minimizes the risk of accidental damage to aircraft components, allowing for efficient washing of a wide range of aircraft engines with reduced labor and time requirements.
Implementation Method 1
spray head (33) positioned in the inlet (301) of the engine by a robotic arm (34)
Implementation Method 2
A pump for delivering the wash liquid to the spray head (33)
Implementation Method 3
spray head (33) having a manifold (36) for distributing the liquid to nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
System for washing a gas turbine engine. The system comprises a spray device including at least one nozzle adapted to inject liquid into an inlet of said engine during a washing operation; a wash unit adapted to distribute said liquid to said spray device; and a positioning device adapted to move said spray device in three dimensions, thereby enabling a positioning of said spray device in a washing operation position in said three dimensions relative said engine inlet without any contact between the spray device and the engine. The invention further relates to a vehicle for making the inventive system mobile and to a mobile system for serving a gas turbine engine comprising a mobile vehicle carrying the washing system and a liquid collecting unit comprising a collecting device adapted to collect waste wash liquid emanating from the engine during a washing operation of the engine.