Automated Wall Thickness Measurement for Turbine Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for measuring the wall thickness of articles, such as turbine blades, are time-consuming and prone to human error, as they require manual measurements with an ultrasonic probe at multiple points, which is inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a coordinate measuring machine to measure surface points, generate a surface model, and guide a thickness measuring probe along a predetermined path to make precise measurements, eliminating human error and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual measurements are performed by operators using ultrasonic probes at multiple points on turbine blades, then wall thickness measurements can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an automated coordinate measuring machine that uses ultrasonic probes. The system automatically positions the probe, performs measurements at multiple points, and processes data without human intervention, thereby eliminating human error while significantly reducing measurement time through continuous automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-positioning and self-measurement functions through automated probe movement along predefined paths. The coordinate measuring machine autonomously navigates to measurement points, executes ultrasonic thickness measurements, and records data without requiring operator intervention at each measurement point,从而实现 reliable and efficient measurements
2Productivity
If manual wall thickness measurements are performed at multiple points on turbine blades, then thickness data can be obtained, but the process is inefficient and cannot accommodate a large number of measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual measurement processes with automated coordinate measuring machines that precisely control probe positioning and movement. This automation maintains high measurement precision through controlled, repeatable positioning while dramatically improving productivity by performing multiple measurements continuously without fatigue or human error
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming measurement paths and probe positions based on the turbine blade geometry and required measurement points. This allows the automated system to efficiently navigate to all necessary measurement locations and perform comprehensive measurements across the entire blade surface
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
This approach enables faster, more reliable, and accurate measurement of wall thickness across multiple points, reducing human error and allowing for a larger number of measurements to be taken efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
Each measurement is done by hand with an operator holding an ultrasonic probe at the required point on the surface of the blade to measure the thickness
Data Source
AI summary
A method of (measuring the waif thickness of an article comprising the steps of (a) providing an inspection machine having an inspection machine co-ordinate system associated therewith, the inspection machine comprising a thickness measuring probe; (b) providing an article in a first position relative to the inspection machine; (c) measuring a plurality of surface points on at least a portion of the surface of the article; (d) modelling the at least a portion of the surface of the article from the measured surface points to produce a surface model; (e) generating a probe path from the surface model in an article coordinate system fixed relative to the article; (f) transforming the probe path to the inspection machine co-ordinate system; and, (g) moving the thickness measuring probe along the probe path whilst making a plurality of spaced apart wall thickness measurements of the article.