Robotic On-Wing Gas Turbine Servicing Without Engine Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for servicing gas turbine engines, such as inspection and repair, require disassembly and uninstallation from aircraft, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The use of robotic assemblies for autonomous or semi-autonomous servicing operations, including inspection and repair, that interface with computing devices for workscope management and utilize machine learning to create, maintain, and perform servicing tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional servicing methods are used (disassembly and uninstallation), then inspection and repair can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disassembly operations with automated robotic systems equipped with specialized tools and sensors. The robotic assembly can perform inspection, cleaning, and repair tasks on gas turbine engines without requiring complete disassembly or uninstallation, thereby maintaining inspection quality while dramatically reducing servicing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the gas turbine engine to be serviced in its installed position on the aircraft wing, allowing the engine to remain in place while receiving maintenance. This self-service approach eliminates the need for uninstallation and reinstallation cycles, reducing downtime while maintaining comprehensive inspection capabilities through robotic access
2Reliability
If traditional servicing methods are used (disassembly and uninstallation), then inspection and repair can be performed, but the process becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic assembly replaces expensive manual labor with automated systems that can perform precise inspection and repair operations. The system includes robotic manipulators, specialized tools, and sensing capabilities that maintain high repair quality while reducing labor costs and operational expenses associated with traditional servicing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic assembly is designed with multi-functionality to perform various servicing tasks including inspection, cleaning, repair, and maintenance operations on different components of the gas turbine engine. This universal capability consolidates multiple specialized processes into a single automated system, reducing overall servicing costs while maintaining comprehensive repair quality
3Productivity
If robotic assemblies are used for autonomous servicing, then efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic servicing system is divided into modular functional segments including manipulation modules, sensing modules, locomotion modules, and tooling modules. Each module can be independently controlled and maintained, allowing the complex system to achieve high productivity while managing complexity through modular architecture and standardized interfaces
Data Source
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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.