Turbine Component Holder With Self-Aligning Notches for X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for positioning turbine components for X-ray imaging are labor-intensive and lack precision, making it difficult to ensure uniform orientation and efficient inspection for micro-cracks and other internal damage.
Innovation Solution
A turbine component holder with 3D-printed notches that securely hold and orient turbine components at predefined angles, allowing multiple components to be imaged simultaneously with minimal manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foam blocks are used to support turbine components, then the components can be held for imaging, but a significant amount of labor is required to ensure correct orientation and prevent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with notches that automatically secure and orient turbine components through interference fit when inserted, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments and ensuring consistent orientation without requiring significant labor
Solution Approach 2:
The holder uses interference fit—a specific type of mechanical connection where the component is slightly larger than the notch—to automatically secure components in the correct orientation, transforming the positioning process from manual adjustment to automatic self-alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning methods are used, then turbine components can be oriented for imaging, but the process is time-consuming and lacks uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple notches, each designed to hold a turbine component in a specific predefined orientation. This segmentation allows multiple components to be positioned simultaneously with uniform orientation, enabling parallel processing and increasing imaging productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The notches are pre-configured with specific geometries that automatically orient components in the correct position upon insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during the imaging process and ensuring uniform orientation across all components
3Reliability
If conventional positioning methods are used, then turbine components can be held for imaging, but precision and consistency in orientation are difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
Each notch in the holder is designed with specific local geometric features that correspond to the shape of turbine components. These localized features ensure that each component is secured in a precise, repeatable orientation, improving reliability without requiring complex overall system design
Data Source
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AI summary
A holder configured to hold a turbine component in position for internal imaging includes a main body configured to support one or more turbine components and one or more holding spaces in in the main body. Each holding space being configured to retain a corresponding turbine component. Each of the one or more holding spaces is configured to automatically secure and orient the corresponding turbine component upon the turbine component being inserted into the holding space.