Rotor Stack Compression Sensing for Axial Load Loss Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine engines experience a decrease in axial assembly force due to engine operating conditions, leading to loosening of the rotor stack and axial load loss, necessitating costly and disruptive disassembly for measurement.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors, such as strain gauges, coupled to the rotor stack to monitor compression loads, allowing continuous measurement and monitoring without disassembly, using a nut to apply tension load and a processing device to determine changes in compression load over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the rotor stack is disassembled to measure compression load, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical disassembly-based measurement with sensor-based electronic measurement. Strain gauges or other sensors are coupled to the rotor stack to electronically measure compression load, eliminating the need for physical disassembly and enabling continuous monitoring during engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the rotor stack and the measurement system. These sensors act as mediators that transfer mechanical compression load information into electrical signals that can be processed and analyzed without requiring engine disassembly.
2Loss of time
If sensors are coupled to the rotor stack for continuous monitoring, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor coupling system to serve multiple functions: measuring compression load, monitoring rotor stack integrity, and providing data for predictive maintenance. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive diagnostic capabilities from a single integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If the rotor stack is disassembled for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by coupling sensors to the rotor stack before engine operation begins. This allows compression load measurements to be taken continuously from the start of operation, eliminating the need for future disassembly and reassembly cycles for measurement purposes.
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
Enables continuous monitoring of rotor stack load, predicting health and reliability, and preventing operational issues by identifying load loss without disassembling the engine.
Implementation Method 1
A nut is coupled to the tie-shaft and is configured to apply a tension load to the tie-shaft, resulting in an opposite compression load on the rotor stack
Implementation Method 2
A nut is coupled to the tie-shaft and is configured to apply a tension load to the tie-shaft, resulting in an opposite compression load on the rotor stack
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor coupled to the rotor stack and configured to measure the compression load on the rotor stack
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tie-shaft configured to rotate about an axis. The system also includes a rotor stack tied to the tie-shaft and configured to rotate with the tie-shaft, the rotor stack comprising multiple rotors. The system further includes a nut coupled to the tie-shaft and configured to apply a tension load to the tie-shaft, resulting in an opposite compression load on the rotor stack. The system also includes at least one sensor coupled to the rotor stack and configured to measure the compression load on the rotor stack. In addition, the system includes at least one processing device configured to receive multiple compression load measurements from the at least one sensor over a time period and determine a change in the compression load over the time period based on the received compression load measurements.