Rotor Blade Metal Cap Removal by Cryogenic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing a metal erosion cap from a rotor blade are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially damaging to the rotor blade.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a cooling agent, such as dry ice, to submerge the metal cap within a retaining chamber, allowing it to cool and become readily removable from the rotor blade's composite material after a predetermined period, followed by the use of tools to safely detach the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chiseling and prying methods are used at room temperature, then the metal cap can be removed, but the rotor blade may be damaged and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by cooling the metal cap to a specific temperature range (below its transformation temperature but above its melting point) to alter its physical properties. This temperature change makes the cap more brittle and easier to remove without damaging the composite rotor blade, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and damage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by cooling the metal cap to induce a transformation in its crystal structure or physical state. This phase change occurs at a specific transformation temperature, making the cap more susceptible to removal while preventing damage to the rotor blade, thus solving the technical contradiction
2Productivity
If chiseling and prying methods are used at room temperature, then the metal cap can be removed, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cooling the metal cap before the actual removal process. This pre-cooling step prepares the cap for easier removal by changing its physical properties, significantly reducing the time and labor required for the subsequent removal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss
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 approach efficiently and effectively removes the metal cap without damaging the rotor blade, reducing the time and labor required compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the at least a portion of the assembly for a period of time sufficient to cool the metal cap to a temperature below a transformation temperature of the metal cap
Implementation Method 2
cooling the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant line with the cooling agent in the first retaining chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for removing a first component from a second component of an assembly include retaining cooling agent within a first retaining chamber of a first container; disposing at least a portion of the assembly within the first retaining chamber so that the first component is covered by the cooling agent within the first retaining chamber; coupling a refrigerant line to a second retaining chamber of a second container; fluidly connecting the first retaining chamber to the second retaining chamber by a conduit; removing the at least a portion of the assembly from the first retaining chamber after a predetermined period of time when the first component is readily removable from the second component; draining the cooling agent into the second retaining chamber via the conduit after said removing the at least a portion of the assembly from the first retaining chamber; and cooling fluid circulating through the refrigerant line with the cooling agent.