Segmented Illumination for Gas Turbine Vane Throat Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the throat area of a vane ring in gas turbine engines are either time-consuming or prone to inaccuracies due to secondary shadows and light saturation issues, which affect the contrast and reliability of the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising primary lighting sources positioned to minimize secondary shadows and a processor for analyzing reflectance and shadow data to determine dimensional measurements of the throat area, with adjustable lighting zones and optional polarizing filters to enhance accuracy and reduce blooming effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lighting is used to illuminate the vane ring, then the throat area can be measured, but secondary shadows are created that reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent lighting zones, each illuminated by a separate primary lighting source. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently to minimize secondary shadows while maintaining uniform illumination across the entire vane ring throat area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lighting zone is tailored with specific illumination characteristics appropriate for its local region of the vane ring. The lighting sources are positioned and configured to provide optimal local illumination that eliminates secondary shadows in specific areas while maintaining overall measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If lighting sources are positioned close to the vane ring to minimize secondary shadows, then measurement accuracy improves, but light saturation and blooming effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple lighting zones with separate primary lighting sources. Each zone provides controlled illumination intensity, preventing overall saturation while maintaining sufficient brightness for accurate shadow boundary detection. The segmented approach allows proximity to the vane ring without excessive total light intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each individual lighting source provides partial illumination coverage rather than attempting to illuminate the entire area from a single position. This distributed partial action approach achieves the necessary total illumination without any single source creating saturation or blooming effects.
3Measurement precision
If multiple lighting sources are used to eliminate secondary shadows, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent zones, each with its own primary lighting source. This modular segmentation allows the complex multi-source system to be managed as discrete, manageable units, simplifying setup and adjustment while achieving the measurement accuracy benefits of multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Each primary lighting source serves multiple functions: it illuminates its specific zone, creates the primary shadow boundary, and contributes to eliminating secondary shadows in adjacent areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If conventional flow rig methods are used to determine flow area, then accurate measurements are obtained, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical flow rig measurement system is replaced with an optical measurement system using primary lighting sources and shadow detection. This substitution eliminates the need for physical flow testing while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical shadow boundary detection, significantly reducing measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically measuring flow characteristics through complex rig setups, the system creates an optical copy or shadow representation of the throat area. This shadow copy contains all necessary dimensional information for accurate measurement without requiring the actual flow conditions or complex mechanical measurement apparatus.
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 solution improves measurement accuracy and robustness by providing uniform lighting and minimizing secondary shadows, leading to more precise and reliable determination of throat area dimensions in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
at least one primary lighting source adapted to radiate light onto a vane ring
Implementation Method 2
provide an area of reflectance surrounding an area of primary shadow
Implementation Method 3
a detector positioned for capturing data regarding said area of reflectance and said shadow
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and device for reflectively measuring a subject such as a throat area in a vane ring for a gas turbine engine uses improved lighting arrangements to improve the quality of reflection to thereby reduce problems associated with poor quality reflection which may adversely affect the image processing and thus reduce the accuracy of measurement.