Segmented Rigidizable Insertion Tool for Complex Engine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engines require specialized insertion tools for each annular opening, which complicates maintenance and inspection due to varying sizes and complex geometries, and existing robotic systems are limited in navigating complex pathways.
Innovation Solution
A selectively rigidizable insertion tool with segments that can be aligned to form a continuous structure, allowing access to confined cavities through complex pathways, featuring a strength member for flexibility and a drive assembly for precise control, enabling inspection and maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated specialized insertion tool is used for each annular opening, then precise access to specific components is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is designed with a telescopic backbone and adjustable segments that enable a single tool to adapt to multiple annular opening sizes and geometries. The backbone can extend and retract, and segments can be repositioned to match different target locations, allowing one universal tool to replace multiple specialized tools while maintaining precise access to various components within the gas turbine engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool is divided into multiple adjustable segments along its backbone structure. These segments can be independently positioned and configured to navigate complex pathways and reach specific target locations within different annular openings. The segmented design provides flexibility while maintaining structural integrity, enabling precise access without requiring separate specialized tools for each configuration.
2Extent of automation
If existing robotic systems are used, then automation is achieved, but ability to navigate complex pathways is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool incorporates a dynamically adjustable backbone with telescopic sections and movable segments that can adapt to complex pathways in real-time. The backbone can extend, retract, and reconfigure its shape to navigate through varying geometries within the gas turbine engine. This dynamic capability allows automated operation while maintaining high adaptability to different access paths and target locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the insertion tool navigates complex geometries, then access to confined cavities is achieved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone is segmented into multiple rigid sections connected by adjustable joints. Each segment maintains structural rigidity for stability, while the joints between segments provide the flexibility needed to navigate complex geometries. This segmented architecture allows the tool to bend and adapt to confined cavities while preserving overall structural integrity and compositional stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool incorporates curved and articulated backbone sections that can bend and flex to follow complex pathways within the engine. The curved design elements allow the rigid backbone to navigate around obstacles and through tight spaces while maintaining structural stability. The curvature provides adaptive geometry navigation without compromising the rigid structure's compositional integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An insertion tool for performing an operation on equipment, the insertion tool including: a plurality of segments, each segment of the plurality of segments including a body including: a first hinge; a second hinge, the first and second hinge members pivotally coupling adjacent segments of the plurality of segments together; and a cavity extending along the body of the segment, the cavity exiting the body at a plurality of exit locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of exit locations is disposed adjacent to the first hinge; and a selectively rigidizable strength member disposed within the cavity.