Telescoping Insertion Tool for Nonlinear Path Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion tools struggle to effectively access and operate within confined spaces, particularly in complex environments like gas turbine engines, due to alignment issues between access ports and target locations, limiting their ability to perform operations such as drilling and grinding.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping insertion tool with a flexible and rigidizable design, featuring a telescoping link that can extend along non-linear paths, allowing the tool to navigate complex pathways and be selectively rigidized for precise positioning and operation, utilizing mechanisms like nitinol wires, spring-loaded mechanisms, and tendon-driven systems for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid insertion tool is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the tool cannot navigate complex non-linear pathways to reach target locations
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tool incorporates a telescoping link with multiple degrees of freedom that allows the tool to dynamically adapt its configuration. The link can extend and rotate to follow complex non-linear pathways while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion tool is divided into modular segments including the telescoping link with base part and extension part. This segmentation allows each component to independently navigate pathway complexities while the overall structure maintains strength through the coordinated action of rigid segments connected by flexible joints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping link with multiple degrees of freedom is added, then the ability to access confined spaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping link employs a nested structure where the extension part fits within the base part, allowing compact storage when not in use. This nesting principle reduces the overall device complexity by enabling the multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism to be compactly integrated into the insertion tool without requiring excessive space or components.
3Ease of operation
If the insertion tool is made flexible to navigate complex pathways, then maneuverability is improved, but positioning precision at the target location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping link provides dynamic flexibility during navigation, allowing the tool to maneuver through complex pathways. Once the target location is reached, the link can be locked or stabilized to provide precise positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and positioning precision through controlled dynamic behavior.
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 providing additional degrees of freedom, allowing the tool to align its tip with the target location, even when the access port and target do not align, facilitating tasks like drilling and grinding with enhanced maneuverability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing mechanisms like nitinol wires, spring-loaded mechanisms, and tendon-driven systems for actuation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing mechanisms like nitinol wires, spring-loaded mechanisms, and tendon-driven systems for actuation
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An insertion tool (100) is provided. The tool includes an insertion portion (110), a telescoping link (120), a joint (115) actuation assembly (140), and an extension actuator (150). The telescoping link (120) having a base part (123) and an extension part (122), the extension part (122) being configured to slide longitudinally relative to the base part (123) from a retracted state to an extended state. The joint (115) actuation assembly (140) is configured to change an angle between the base part (123) of the telescoping link (120) and the insertion portion (110) via a joint (115). The extension actuator (150) is configured to actuate the extension part (122) of the telescoping link (120) from the retracted state to the extended state.