Hook-Fit Guided Stator Slot Cleaning Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning receiver slots in gas turbine engines are inefficient and costly, requiring rotor removal and using abrasive tools that can cause damage and ergonomic issues, leading to potential stator binding and increased operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using hookfit and sidewall cleaning tools with abrasive coatings, guided by the shape of the receiver slots, that can be inserted and retracted with a cleaning handle to remove trash, oil, rust, and foreign materials while the rotor remains in place, avoiding the use of aluminum oxide wheels and reducing ergonomic hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotor assembly is removed to access receiver slots for cleaning, then cleaning access is improved, but repair time and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components including a cleaning handle, extension tubes, and interchangeable cleaning tools (wire brush, scraper, vacuum). This segmentation allows the tools to be inserted through accessible openings without removing the rotor assembly, enabling cleaning operations while the rotor remains in place and significantly reducing repair time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tools are designed with nested structures where extension tubes can be inserted into the cleaning handle, and additional cleaning attachments can be nested within the extension tubes. This nesting allows compact storage and easy insertion through limited access points while maintaining full cleaning capability for receiver slots and hooks.
2Productivity
If aluminum oxide grinding wheels are used to clean receiver slots, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but foreign object damage and stator binding risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces abrasive mechanical grinding wheels with a multi-tool mechanical cleaning system consisting of wire brushes, scrapers, and vacuum extraction. This substitution eliminates the generation of abrasive dust that could cause foreign object damage or stator binding, while still achieving effective cleaning through mechanical removal of debris and oxidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of loose debris into benefit by incorporating vacuum extraction capability. The vacuum collects and removes debris as it is loosened by the wire brush and scraper, preventing it from causing foreign object damage or stator binding while maintaining effective cleaning of the receiver slots.
3Area of stationary object
If extended reach tools are used to access areas underneath rotor, then cleaning coverage is improved, but operator ergonomic safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system accesses difficult-to-reach areas by changing the dimensional approach - using flexible extension tubes that can navigate around the rotor assembly and deliver cleaning tools to receiver slots from accessible peripheral openings rather than requiring direct linear access from underneath the rotor, thereby maintaining operator safety.
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
This approach allows for thorough cleaning of receiver slots without damaging them, reduces repair time and costs, and prevents stator binding, ensuring safe and efficient reinstallation of new stator components while minimizing operator risk.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method using hookfit and sidewall cleaning tools with abrasive coatings
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for cleaning receiver slots with hook-fits for stator blade ring segments. A first cleaning tool with an abrasive coating and sideward projection in the shape of the hook is slid through the slot using the hook-fit as a guide. A second cleaning tool with an abrasive coating and a formed/machined hook-fit used as a guide while cleaning the receiver slots as it is pushed through the receiver slots. The tools remove trash, oil rust/oxidation, and other foreign materials from receiving slot. Both tools may attach to a metal rod with two knuckles as part of the handle that connects to and uses the hook-fit as a guide enabling the operator to reach deep into the radius of the compressor case receiver slots and hook-fits located adjacent to and beneath the rotor and rotor blades so that the hook-fit and receiver slot can be thoroughly cleaned.