Segmented Insertion Tool for Variable Annular Engine Cavities
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines with annular openings require specialized tools for inspection and maintenance, and existing tools lack the flexibility to accommodate varying annular sizes and complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising moveable segments with a core of high stiffness material and a shell of lower stiffness material, featuring guide, drive, and line guide components, allowing for precise insertion and operation within annular spaces of gas turbine engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated specialized insertion tool is used for each annular opening, then the tool can fit the specific geometry, but the device complexity and number of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other between a bent configuration (for navigation through annular openings of various sizes) and a coupled configuration (for stable operation). This segmentation allows a single tool design to adapt to different annular geometries without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs dynamic segments that can change their relative positions and orientations during insertion and operation. The segments are moveably coupled to transition from a compressed bent state during insertion to an extended coupled state during operation, enabling the tool to adapt to varying annular dimensions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex geometries and features are included in the insertion tool, then the tool can perform precise operations, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a core-shell structure where the core provides structural support and the shell provides the complex operational features. This allows each component to be manufactured separately with optimized geometries, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the precision required for complex operations within the annular opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool uses a composite core-shell structure that combines different materials to achieve both structural integrity and complex operational features. The core provides mechanical strength while the shell can be formed with complex geometries for precise operations, enabling manufacturing precision without excessive manufacturing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the insertion tool is made rigid for stability, then operational stability improves, but the ability to navigate complex annular paths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into multiple movable sections that can bend and flex during insertion to navigate complex annular paths. Once positioned, the segments couple together to form a rigid stable structure for operations. This segmentation enables the tool to achieve both flexibility during navigation and stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions dynamically from a flexible bent configuration during insertion to a rigid coupled configuration during operation. The moveable segments allow the tool to adapt its stiffness characteristics based on the operational phase, providing flexibility when needed for navigation and rigidity when needed for stable operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for inserting into a cavity is provided. The tool includes a plurality of segments moveably coupled to one another, each segment moveable relative to an adjacent segment between a bent position and a coupled position, the plurality of segments including a first segment, the first segment including: a core formed of a first material; and a shell formed of a second material and comprising or defining a guide feature, a drive feature, a line guide, or a combination thereof; wherein the first material defines a greater stiffness than the second material.