Stator Vane Light Probe for Gas Turbine Frequency Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines face challenges in accurately measuring rotor blade frequency changes due to foreign object damage, as existing light probes are prone to dirt and debris accumulation, reducing their effectiveness in precision measurement.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a light probe within a stator vane assembly, where the probe is secured within a vane stem and airfoil structure, forming a probe inspection port that prevents dirt and debris from accumulating on the light probe during operation, ensuring clear measurement of rotor blade frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light probe is inserted through a casing opening to illuminate the rotor blade, then the rotor blade frequency can be measured, but dirt or debris accumulates on the light probe thereby lowering the effectiveness of the light probe to accurately measure the frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotor blade frequency measurement precisionVSAvoidlight probe effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light probe is nested within the stator vane assembly structure, specifically positioned within the stator vane airfoil, which protects it from direct exposure to centrifuged dirt and debris while still allowing it to illuminate and measure rotor blade frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The stator vane airfoil serves as an intermediary structure that houses the light probe, providing protection from contaminants while maintaining the probe's functional capability to measure rotor blade frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the light probe is exposed to the centrifuged dirt and debris, then it can measure rotor blade frequency, but the dirt or debris accumulates on the light probe reducing measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight probe accessibilityVSAvoidfrequency measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light probe is nested within the stator vane airfoil structure, which provides a protected environment that prevents direct exposure to centrifuged contaminants while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The stator vane airfoil provides localized protection specifically for the light probe area, creating a clean zone within the contaminated environment by strategically positioning the probe within the airfoil structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7527471B2Stator vane and gas turbine engine assembly including same

Publication Date: 2009.05.05 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a turbine stator vane includes coupling an airfoil to a vane stem wherein the airfoil includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall and wherein the first and second sidewalls are joined at a leading edge and at an axially-spaced trailing edge The method further includes forming an opening at least partially through the vane stem that is sized to receive a light probe therein.