Spray Resonant Frequency Detection Using Diaphragm Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing and quality control of fuel injectors and nozzles in gas turbine engines fail to detect resonant frequencies effectively, which can lead to deviations from design specifications and potentially cause detrimental combustion waves.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a sensor with a vibration transducer or laser vibrometer connected to a cylindrical diaphragm to detect resonant frequencies in the spray by analyzing signals generated from impinging spray cones or jets, allowing for the identification of unwanted resonant modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional quality control tests are used to inspect spray nozzles, then manufacturing reliability is maintained, but resonant frequencies in the spray cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by using a vibration transducer to generate vibrations in a diaphragm that is impinged upon by the spray. The spray-induced vibrations are transmitted to the transducer, which converts them into electrical signals for frequency analysis. This enables detection of resonant frequencies that conventional static or non-vibrating sensors cannot detect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional non-vibrating sensors with a vibration-based detection system. By substituting a static measurement approach with a dynamic vibration measurement approach, the system can detect resonant frequencies in the spray that were previously invisible to quality control instruments.
2Measurement precision
If a vibration transducer is used to detect spray resonances, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diaphragm as an intermediary element between the spray and the vibration transducer. The diaphragm captures the spray-induced vibrations and transmits them to the transducer, serving as a mechanical mediator that amplifies and transfers the subtle vibration signals from the spray to the sensing element.
3Productivity
If resonant frequencies are not detected, then production efficiency is maintained, but harmful combustion waves may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of resonant frequencies during the quality control inspection phase, before the nozzles are installed in engines. By performing this vibration-based analysis upfront, the system prevents nozzles with problematic resonant characteristics from reaching the engine, thereby preventing harmful combustion waves before they can occur during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where vibration transducers continuously monitor spray characteristics and provide real-time frequency analysis. This feedback mechanism enables immediate identification of resonant conditions, allowing for corrective action or rejection of defective nozzles before they cause engine damage.
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 effective quality control by detecting resonant frequencies in the spray, preventing deviations from design specifications and reducing the risk of damaging combustion waves in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring vibrations of the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
a vibration transducer connected to the diaphragm, wherein detecting frequencies includes generating a signal using the vibration transducer
Implementation Method 3
the sensor includes a laser vibrometer optically connected to the diaphragm, wherein detecting frequencies includes generating a signal using the laser vibrometer
Implementation Method 4
detect frequencies of resonant modes in the spray
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system for inspecting spray nozzles includes a nozzle operatively connected to a source of pressurized liquid for issuing a spray (106) from the nozzle (102). The system also includes a sensor positioned to detect frequencies of resonant modes in the spray. The nozzle and sensor can each be mounted to a spray test booth. A method of inspecting a spray nozzle includes issuing a liquid from a spray nozzle as a spray and using a sensor to detect frequencies of resonant modes in the spray. The sensor can include a diaphragm (212) and detecting frequencies can include impinging at least some of the spray on the diaphragm, and monitoring vibrations of the diaphragm.