Sensor-Guided Probe Alignment for Gas Turbine Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of performing precise inspections or repairs on internal components of a gas turbine engine while accounting for the relative motion between the engine and a probe due to factors like shifting weight or wind, which can compromise the accuracy and effectiveness of the inspection or maintenance process.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a probe assembly with an actuator pack and sensors, such as a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) or optical sensor, to detect relative motion, coupled with a computer system that controls a translational motor to adjust the probe's orientation and position, ensuring alignment and stability during inspections or repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the probe is inserted into the engine for inspection or repair, then the inspection or maintenance can be performed, but the relative motion between the engine and probe due to shifting weight or wind compromises the precision and stability of the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (LVDT or optical sensors) to continuously detect the position and motion of the engine, providing real-time feedback signals to the control system. This feedback enables the control system to make continuous adjustments to the probe's position and orientation, maintaining stable alignment despite engine movement during inspection or repair procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect engine position, electronic control systems process the data, and motors/actuators automatically adjust the probe's position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment and providing more precise and stable alignment
2Stability of the object's composition
If sensors and actuators are added to compensate for motion, then probe alignment stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data, calculates required adjustments, controls motors for position adjustment, and manages orientation control. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining probe alignment stability
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
Enables precise and stable inspection or repair procedures by compensating for the motion of the engine, maintaining probe alignment, and enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the inspection or maintenance process.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor may be a linear variable differential transformer operable with the surface of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
the optical sensor may include an optical receiver and an optical transmitter. Further, one of the optical receiver or the optical transmitter may be coupled to the surface of the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
the sensor may be an accelerometer
Implementation Method 4
moving the probe relative to the apparatus may include applying a contra-acting vibration to the second end of the probe to reduce the actual vibration of the probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for compensating for a relative motion between a probe and an apparatus. The system includes a probe assembly, a sensor, and a computer. The probe assembly includes an actuator pack positioned exterior to the apparatus and a probe insertable into the apparatus. The probe includes a first end coupled to the actuator pack, a second end, and an elongated body extending therebetween. The sensor senses data indicative of a relative motion between the apparatus and the probe assembly. The computer is operably coupled with the sensor and the probe assembly to move the probe of the probe assembly in response to the sensor sensing the data indicative of the relative motion between the apparatus and the probe assembly.