TRV Turbine Casing Disassembly Tool with Axial and Rotational Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disassembly and maintenance of TRV-type turbine casings in aircraft turbine engines are complex and time-consuming, requiring removal from the aircraft and subsequent reassembly at a docking station, which complicates the process and increases operational time.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a lower carriage and an upper plate with first members to immobilize and second members to rotatably guide the turbine casing, allowing for direct disassembly and movement under the wing, featuring adjustable elements for secure attachment and centring, enabling simultaneous disassembly, removal, and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the turbine casing is disassembled using conventional methods, then the casing can be removed and maintained, but the process requires removal from the aircraft and subsequent reassembly at a docking station, increasing operational time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a carriage for movement and positioning, an upper plate for attachment, first members for axial immobilization, and second members for rotational blocking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling the casing to be disassembled and maintained in place without requiring complete removal from the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the turbine casing and the maintenance personnel. By introducing this intermediate tool with specialized attachment members, the complex operation of disassembling and maintaining the casing is simplified into standardized steps: attaching the tool to the casing, immobilizing it axially and rotationally, and performing maintenance operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the turbine casing is disassembled using conventional methods, then the casing can be maintained, but the process requires multiple locations (aircraft and docking station), increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed as a universal device that can be attached to the turbine casing at various locations and performs multiple functions: axial immobilization through first members, rotational blocking through second members, and support during maintenance operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized tools and locations into a single versatile tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool controls the turbine casing in multiple dimensional aspects simultaneously: axial dimension through first members that prevent axial movement, and rotational dimension through second members that prevent rotation. By addressing both dimensional constraints, the tool simplifies the maintenance process by providing complete immobilization in a single attachment operation.
3Ease of operation
If the turbine casing is immobilized without proper rotational blocking, then the casing can be accessed, but the casing may rotate during maintenance, creating safety and operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilization function is segmented into two independent systems: first members for axial immobilization and second members for rotational blocking. This segmentation ensures that each constraint is addressed by specialized components, preventing unintended rotation during maintenance while maintaining accessibility to the casing for service operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second members act as intermediary blocking elements that specifically address the rotational instability issue. These members engage with the casing to prevent rotation without interfering with the accessibility provided by the first members, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A TRV-type turbine casing includes inner and outer annular shrouds that extend one inside the other and about the same axis and are connected together by arms. A tool for disassembling and moving the casing has a lower carriage for moving the tool, and an upper plate to be attached to the turbine casing. The plate is supported by the carriage and includes first members that cooperate with a first annular flange of one of the shrouds to support the casing and axially immobilize the casing relative to the tool. The plate further includes second members that cooperate with a second annular flange of the other shroud in order to prevent and/or guide the rotation of the casing about the axis.