Segmented Insertion Tool for Variable Annular Engine Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines with annular openings of varying sizes require dedicated inspection tools, leading to high costs and inconvenience due to the need for multiple specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
An insertion tool with a segmented arm and a base that allows movement along multiple degrees of freedom, enabling it to navigate through annular openings of varying sizes without colliding with engine components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated inspection tools are used for each annular opening size, then inspection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to needing multiple specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is designed with a base that can move the insertion tool arm along multiple degrees of freedom, enabling a single tool to inspect annular openings of various sizes. The base provides positional adjustment capabilities that allow the same tool to adapt to different engine configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated tools while maintaining inspection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool arm is configured with movable segments that can adjust their positions relative to each other, allowing the tool to dynamically adapt its shape and size to match different annular opening dimensions. This dynamic adjustability enables the single tool to maintain proper geometric alignment for accurate inspection across varying engine types
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized tools are maintained for different engine sizes, then inspection accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to tool selection and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
A single insertion tool with adjustable base and segmented arm can inspect multiple annular opening sizes, eliminating the need to select and swap between multiple dedicated tools. The tool maintains inspection accuracy through its ability to adapt to different configurations, thereby reducing time loss associated with tool management
3Device complexity
If a fixed-configuration insertion tool is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases when inspecting annular openings of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool arm is divided into multiple segments that can be positioned at different locations along the arm structure. These segments can be independently adjusted to create the appropriate geometric configuration for inspecting annular openings of various sizes, providing adaptability without requiring complete tool replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The base is configured to move the insertion tool arm along multiple degrees of freedom, providing dynamic positional adjustment. This enables the tool to adapt to different annular opening sizes and orientations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion tool is provided for an engine defining an access opening and including a component defining at least in part a cavity. The insertion tool includes: an insertion tool arm having a plurality of segments, the insertion tool arm configured for insertion through the access opening into the cavity and the plurality of segments configured to be in a fixed position relative to one another within the cavity; and a base coupled to the insertion tool arm and configured to be positioned outside the cavity and to move the insertion tool arm along at least two degrees of freedom.