Seal Fin Tip Position Measurement Using Intermediary Jig

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the fin tip position of seal fins in steam turbines face challenges in accurately attaching reflectors, leading to impaired measurement accuracy and prolonged work times due to the need for frequent repositioning.

Innovation Solution

A fin tip position measurement method and system that utilize a jig with a flat measurement surface attached to the seal fin, allowing for precise laser scanning and calculation of the fin tip position by adding the jig's radial dimension to the measured distance, enabling easy and accurate measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a reflector is attached to the tip of a seal fin for measurement, then the fin tip position can be measured, but the attachment is unstable and measurement accuracy is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefin tip position measurement accuracyVSAvoidreflector attachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A jig is introduced as an intermediary device between the seal fin and the measurement system. The jig has a holding portion that securely clamps the seal fin tip, and a measurement surface that serves as the laser reflection target. This intermediary structure provides both stable attachment to the fin and a reliable measurement surface, resolving the contradiction between attachment stability and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple reflectors are repositioned to measure the entire region, then complete coverage is achieved, but work time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete region coverageVSAvoidmeasurement work time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The jig is designed as a universal measurement tool that can be applied to multiple seal fins and various measurement positions. The standardized jig design allows operators to quickly attach and measure different fins without needing to reposition multiple specialized reflectors, achieving complete region coverage while significantly reducing measurement time.

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

3Measurement precision

If a reflector is used for measurement, then the measurement can be performed, but frequent repositioning is required which reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefin tip position measurementVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The jig is pre-configured with the measurement surface positioned at a known distance from the seal fin tip. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for frequent repositioning during measurement, as the jig itself provides the reference framework. The pre-established geometric relationship between the holding portion and measurement surface enables efficient measurements while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 approach allows for stable and accurate measurement of fin tip positions, reducing measurement time and improving accuracy by simplifying the attachment process and reducing the need for multiple reflector placements.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a distance from the axis to the measurement surface by scanning the measurement surface with laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12044629B2Fin tip position measurement method, fin tip position measurement system, and jig for measuring fin tip position
Publication Date: 2024.07.23 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • US12044629B2 patent drawing
  • US12044629B2 patent drawing
  • US12044629B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This fin tip position measurement method comprises: a jig installation step for installing a jig having a flat measurement surface expanded in a circumferential direction and an axial direction to a tip of at least one among a plurality of seal fins that protrude in a radial direction with respect to an axial line, extend in the circumferential direction, and are arranged in a direction in which the axial line extends; a first measurement step for measuring a distance from the axial line to the measurement surface by scanning the measurement surface with a laser beam; and a first calculation step for calculating a distance from the axial line to the tip of the seal fin by adding a radial dimension of the jig to the distance to the measurement surface.