Rotor Blade Moment Weight from Surface Geometry and CG Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moment weight measurement systems for rotor blades in turbine engines are prone to inaccuracies due to improper positioning, leading to unreliable results.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a surface inspection system to measure rotor blade geometry and weight, followed by determining the moment weight using a scale and a computer, which then balances the rotor blades based on their moment weights to ensure accurate placement and rotational balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rotor blade is positioned in a fixture for moment weight measurement, then the measurement can be obtained, but improper positioning leads to inaccurate measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoment weight measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by measuring the surface geometry and calculating the center of gravity position before the actual moment weight measurement. This preliminary geometric characterization enables the system to determine the correct positioning and orientation of the rotor blade in the fixture, ensuring accurate measurements without requiring manual positioning expertise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional mechanical positioning system with an optical/electronic system. Instead of relying on mechanical fixtures and manual positioning, the system uses optical scanners or cameras to capture surface geometry, processes the data to calculate center of gravity, and determines the moment weight through computational methods, thereby eliminating positioning errors associated with mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional measurement systems are used, then moment weight can be measured, but the systems are complex and require precise positioning fixtures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoment weight measurementVSAvoidfixture and positioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical positioning fixtures with an optical/electronic measurement system. The system uses optical scanners or cameras to capture the surface geometry of the rotor blade, processes the geometric data to calculate the center of gravity position, and determines the moment weight through computational methods, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameters from direct moment weight measurement (which requires complex mechanical setup) to surface geometry measurement followed by computational derivation. By measuring easily obtainable geometric parameters and calculating the moment weight from these parameters along with weight data, the system simplifies the measurement apparatus while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4273369B1Determining a moment weight of a component based on measured surface geometry/solid model of the component
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 RTX CORP
  • EP4273369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4273369B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4273369B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method is provided during which surface data indicative of a measured surface geometry of a component (30) is received. The surface data is processed to provide model data indicative of a solid model of the component (30). The model data is processed to determine a center of gravity distance (57) of the component (30). A moment weight of the component (30) is determined based on the center of gravity distance (57) of the component (30) and a measured weight of the component (30). The moment weight is communicated with the component (30).