Support Structure for Tool Insertion in Assembled Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting tools within assembled apparatuses, such as gas turbine engines, lack a stable and versatile solution for inserting and securing tools through small apertures, limiting the effectiveness of inspection and repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a support structure with pivotally mounted members that deploy to clamp onto internal surfaces, allowing tools like boroscopes, machine tools, and fluid conduits to be securely inserted and positioned within the apparatus through multiple apertures, forming a stable platform for inspection and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools are inserted through small apertures in the casing, then access to internal components is enabled, but stable positioning and support of the tool becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including a first portion that abuts internal surfaces and a second portion that interfaces with the tool. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - providing stable positioning while enabling tool insertion through small apertures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is inserted through a first aperture in the casing, with subsequent tools inserted through second apertures. The support structure acts as a nested framework that provides stability while allowing multiple tools to access internal components through separate apertures.
2Reliability
If a support structure is inserted through a first aperture and secured to the casing, then stable positioning is achieved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes the internal surfaces of the casing itself for positioning and support. By arranging the first portion to abut internal surfaces, the structure serves itself for stabilization without requiring additional external support mechanisms, thereby reducing overall apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides stable positioning, enables tool insertion through apertures, and can accommodate various different tools (boroscopes, machine tools, fluid conduits, light sources). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate support structures for each tool type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are inserted through multiple apertures, then comprehensive inspection and repair capability is enabled, but the difficulty of securing and positioning tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to accommodate multiple different tool types (boroscopes, machine tools, fluid conduits, light sources) through a unified structure. The second portion of the support structure can secure various tools without requiring different support structures for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tools are inserted through different apertures (second aperture for boroscope, third aperture for machine tool, fourth aperture for light source). This segmentation allows each tool to be positioned and secured independently while maintaining overall system stability through the unified support structure.
Data Source
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Figure 3~7
AI summary
A method of supporting a tool (106) in an assembled apparatus (10) comprises the steps of (a) inserting a support structure (60) through a first aperture (52,56) in a casing (50,54) of the apparatus (10), a first end (62) of the support structure (60) being outside the casing (50,54) and a second end (64) of the support structure (60) being inside the casing (50,54), (b) securing the first end (60) of the support structure (60) to the casing (50,54), (c) arranging a first portion (78) of the support structure (60) to abut at least one surface within the casing (50,54), (d) inserting a tool (106) through the first aperture (52,56) or a second aperture (53,57) in the casing (50,54), and (e) securing the tool (106) to a second portion (102) of the support structure (60) within the casing (50,54).