Inspection Scope Preload for In-Place Powerplant Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for internal defects in powerplant components are inefficient and often require disassembly, leading to high downtime and costs.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive inspection method using an inspection scope with a preload device and piezoelectric actuator to induce vibrations in powerplant components, measuring vibratory responses to detect internal defects without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inspection methods are used, then inspection can be performed, but disassembly is required leading to high downtime and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into modular components: a guide tube that can be inserted through existing access points, a separate preload device that applies force remotely, and an inspection scope with sensors that detects defects. This segmentation allows the system to inspect components without disassembling the entire powerplant, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining inspection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube serves as an intermediary element that provides access to the powerplant component through existing openings rather than requiring direct disassembly. The preload device acts as an intermediary that applies mechanical force remotely through the guide tube structure. These intermediary elements enable inspection without compromising the assembled state of the powerplant, resolving the contradiction between inspection reliability and downtime loss.
2Loss of time
If inspection is performed on installed components, then downtime is reduced, but applying sufficient force to detect small defects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The preload device applies mechanical force to the inspection scope before vibration testing begins. This preliminary action ensures that the scope head is firmly pressed against the powerplant component surface, establishing reliable contact and proper force application prior to defect detection. By pre-loading the inspection scope, the system ensures measurement precision is achieved from the start of the inspection process, eliminating the need for disassembly while maintaining sensitivity for detecting small defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system uses dynamic vibration testing where the actuator induces vibrations at specific frequencies, and sensors measure the vibratory response. This dynamic approach allows the system to detect defects based on changes in vibration characteristics rather than relying solely on static force application. The combination of preload force and dynamic vibration measurement enables high sensitivity defect detection on installed components without requiring disassembly, resolving the contradiction between reduced downtime and measurement precision.
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 efficient detection of internal defects with minimal aircraft downtime and cost, allowing inspection of installed powerplant components with high sensitivity to small defects.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric actuator to induce vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The spring is arranged longitudinally between and engaged with the base and the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection method is provided during which a head of an inspection scope is inserted into an interior of a powerplant. The head of the inspection scope includes an actuator. The powerplant includes a component located within the interior of the powerplant. The head of the inspection scope is abutted against a surface of the component within the interior of the powerplant. The head of the inspection scope is preloaded against the surface of the component using a preload device located outside of the interior of the powerplant. Vibrations are induced in the component using the actuator. A vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations is measured using a sensor to provide sensor data.