Telescoping Insertion Tool for Misaligned Target Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion tools face challenges in effectively reaching and operating within confined spaces, particularly in environments like gas turbine engines, due to misalignment between access ports and target locations, limiting their ability to perform inspections and repairs efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping insertion tool with a flexible and selectively rigidizable design, featuring a telescoping link that can extend along non-linear paths, allowing the tool to navigate complex pathways and align its tip with the target location, combined with various actuation mechanisms such as nitinol wires, spring-loaded mechanisms, and tendon-driven systems to achieve precise positioning and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing insertion tools are used with fixed rigid structures, then the tool structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tool cannot effectively reach target locations when access ports and targets are misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. Each segment contains internal components (actuator, connector, guide) that allow controlled extension along non-linear paths, enabling the tool to navigate complex pathways while maintaining manageable individual component sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic telescoping structure with multiple degrees of freedom. The telescoping segments can extend and retract to change the tool's overall length and configuration, allowing adaptation to various access port orientations and target locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping segments are added to enable non-linear path navigation, then the tool can access misaligned targets, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each telescoping segment is designed with nested components where smaller elements are contained within larger ones. The actuator, connector, and guide components are integrated within each segment's housing, creating a compact modular structure that reduces overall system complexity despite multiple functional elements
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping segments are designed as universal modular units that can perform multiple functions: navigation along non-linear paths, positioning at various angles, and supporting different end effectors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each function
3Ease of operation
If the tool uses flexible selectively rigidizable design, then the tool can navigate complex pathways and align with targets, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool's structural parameters (rigidity and flexibility) are changed dynamically through the telescoping mechanism. When segments are retracted, the tool is more flexible for navigation; when extended and locked, the tool becomes rigid for precise alignment and operation, allowing a single design to serve multiple operational states
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 efficient access and operation within confined spaces by allowing the tool to align its end effector with the target, facilitating tasks like drilling and grinding, even when the access port and target location are not aligned, enhancing the tool's versatility and operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
various actuation mechanisms such as nitinol wires
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion tool is provided. The tool includes an insertion portion, a telescoping link, a joint actuation assembly, and an extension actuator. The telescoping link having a base part and an extension part, the extension part being configured to slide longitudinally relative to the base part from a retracted state to an extended state. The joint actuation assembly is configured to change an angle between the base part of the telescoping link and the insertion portion via a joint. The extension actuator is configured to actuate the extension part of the telescoping link from the retracted state to the extended state.