Rotating Part Laser Probe for High-Frequency Vibration Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser time of arrival probes are ineffective for measuring high order/frequency modes of vibration in rotating parts due to low signal-to-noise ratios and sensitivity to manufacturing variations, requiring numerous probes and challenging mode identification.

Innovation Solution

A system with a probe assembly that includes a laser assembly, time of arrival probe, emission and return optic channels, and a controller to remotely move a redirector, allowing the laser beam to be focused and redirected onto multiple targets on a rotating part, enhancing the measurement of high order/frequency modes by improving deflection detection and stress calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple probes are used to measure high order/frequency modes, then measurement coverage increases, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidnumber of probes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single probe is designed to perform multiple measurement functions by sequentially targeting different locations on the rotating part. The probe includes a movable reflector that can be positioned at multiple locations to measure deflections at different points, eliminating the need for multiple fixed probes while achieving comprehensive measurement coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe incorporates a movable reflector that can dynamically change its position between multiple locations during operation. This dynamic positioning capability allows one probe to replace multiple static probes, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to measure high order/frequency modes at various locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If probes are located at specific locations to measure maximum deflection, then measurement precision improves, but difficulty in identifying correct locations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeflection detection accuracyVSAvoidlocation identification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning measurements at multiple potential locations before final measurement. The movable reflector sequentially visits different locations to identify where maximum deflection occurs, allowing the system to pre-locate optimal measurement points before committing to final high-precision measurements at those specific locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The probe system incorporates feedback mechanisms that analyze measured deflection signals to determine whether the current probe location is capturing maximum deflection. Based on this feedback, the movable reflector can be repositioned to optimize measurement locations, ensuring that measurements are taken at points of maximum deflection for highest precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single probe measures multiple locations, then device complexity decreases, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of probesVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movable reflector is designed to move continuously between measurement locations without requiring the probe to be repositioned or restarted. The system maintains continuous measurement capability as the reflector transitions between locations, minimizing idle time and ensuring that the useful measurement action continues uninterrupted throughout the measurement cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system significantly increases the probability of measuring local maximum deflections, enabling accurate identification of vibratory modes and stress measurement, even with small deflections, thus improving measurement efficiency and confidence.

Implementation Method 1

a laser assembly (102) configured to emit a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Implementation Method 2

a lens (144) mounted within the probe assembly and configured to focus the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

the redirector may be configured to change the direction of the laser beam within the probe assembly from a first direction to a second direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a detector configured to receive and to measure reflected incident light from the rotatable part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2936096B1Traversing time of arrival probe
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 UNITED TECH CORP
  • EP2936096B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2936096B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2936096B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A system and method for performing stress measurement on rotating parts is disclosed. The system may include a laser assembly configured to emit a laser beam, and a probe assembly mounted proximal to a rotatable part in a device. The probe assembly may be configured to output a reflected laser beam onto a first target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may further be configured to move the reflected laser beam from the first target to a second target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may include a redirector moveable from a first position to a second position, and a lens mounted proximal to the redirector and configured to focus the laser beam. The redirector may be configured to change the laser beam direction from a first direction to a second direction when moved from the first position to the second position.