Segmented Thermal Blanket Assembly for Engine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal blankets for aircraft engines face challenges in accessibility and integrity during maintenance or repair, and they may not effectively manage thermal energy in constrained spaces, particularly where laws and regulations require their use.
Innovation Solution
A flexible thermal blanket assembly with multiple sections, including a cap with miter joints, adhesive or stitched material layers, and a sensor for temperature and pressure measurement, along with a strap for easy installation and removal, and wear protection plates to prevent degradation, is designed to withstand high temperatures and facilitate maintenance in tight engine spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal blanket is made as a single integrated piece, then thermal protection integrity is improved, but accessibility for maintenance and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal blanket is divided into multiple sections that can be separated from each other. Each section can be independently removed or accessed, allowing maintenance personnel to reach components behind the thermal blanket without removing the entire assembly. The sections are connected through attachment mechanisms that maintain structural integrity during operation but allow controlled separation for maintenance.
2Ease of repair
If the thermal blanket is made removable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but thermal protection integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal blanket sections are pre-equipped with attachment mechanisms (such as hooks, clips, or interlocking features) that enable quick connection and disconnection. These mechanisms are designed to maintain secure attachment during engine operation while allowing rapid removal when maintenance is required, eliminating the need for complex removal procedures that could compromise integrity.
3Reliability
If the thermal blanket uses thick insulation material, then thermal energy management is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to tight spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal blanket utilizes composite material construction with multiple layers serving different functions. The insulation layer provides thermal protection while being bonded to a flexible outer shell that can conform to tight engine spaces. The composite structure allows the blanket to maintain its thermal management capabilities while adapting to complex geometries and restricted installation areas.
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
The thermal blanket assembly provides effective thermal management, maintaining component integrity and facilitating maintenance by being flexible and durable, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and allowing for easy installation and removal, thus ensuring engine safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal blanket including: a cap configured as a baffle to prevent excessive thermal energy (e.g., a flame) located at an exterior of the thermal blanket from entering an interior of the thermal blanket
Implementation Method 2
the material layers include: a fiberglass layer disposed between the aluminized fiberglass layer and the ceramic layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a flexible thermal blanket assembly (204; 300; 400), comprising: a stack-up of material layers that are configured to wrap around a component, a plurality of snaps (352) configured to be mechanically fastened through the material layers, and a cap (306) configured as a baffle to prevent thermal energy located at an exterior (310) of the thermal blanket assembly from entering an interior (312) of the thermal blanket assembly when the thermal blanket assembly is assembled.