Turbine Fluid Flow Regulator Integrity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid flow regulator systems in turbine engines face challenges in detecting failures due to broken push-pull cables or safety return mechanism failures, leading to dormant issues that can result in irreversible engine degradation, as the electronic computer cannot supervise the physical states of the cable and safety spring, assuming nominal operation even when failures occur.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to test the integrity of the fluid flow regulator system by powering and then interrupting the actuator, measuring the position of the drive element, and comparing it to determine if there are issues with the safety return means or push-pull cable, allowing for detection of potential faults and preventing engine degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic computer uses closed loop regulation only for the movement of the drive rod based on position sensor measurements, then the regulation is simplified and easier to implement, but the computer cannot detect breaks in the safety return spring or push-pull cable, leading to dormant failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an integrity test before normal operation to detect potential failures. The test method proactively checks the continuity and functionality of the push-pull cable and safety return spring by actuating the drive rod and monitoring the resulting motion, rather than waiting for failures to manifest during operation. This allows dormant faults to be identified and addressed before they compromise system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using position sensors to monitor the drive rod's motion during the integrity test. The electronic computer receives feedback signals from the position sensors and compares the actual motion against expected motion patterns. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect anomalies such as cable breaks or spring failures, providing the computer with awareness of the physical state of mechanical components that would otherwise remain undetected.
2Reliability
If the scoop includes safety return means in the form of a spring to bring the movable flap into its closed position, then the fail-safe position is ensured, but breakage of the spring or cable remains undetected, leading to dormant degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an integrity test before normal operation to detect potential failures. The test method proactively checks the continuity and functionality of the push-pull cable and safety return spring by actuating the drive rod and monitoring the resulting motion, rather than waiting for failures to manifest during operation. This allows dormant faults to be identified and addressed before they compromise system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using position sensors to monitor the drive rod's motion during the integrity test. The electronic computer receives feedback signals from the position sensors and compares the actual motion against expected motion patterns. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect anomalies such as cable breaks or spring failures, providing the computer with awareness of the physical state of mechanical components that would otherwise remain undetected.
3Measurement precision
If the actuator is powered to move the drive rod and the position is continuously monitored, then the control is precise, but the system cannot distinguish between nominal operation and component failure without additional testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an integrity test before normal operation to detect potential failures. The test method proactively checks the continuity and functionality of the push-pull cable and safety return spring by actuating the drive rod and monitoring the resulting motion, rather than waiting for failures to manifest during operation. This allows dormant faults to be identified and addressed before they compromise system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using position sensors to monitor the drive rod's motion during the integrity test. The electronic computer receives feedback signals from the position sensors and compares the actual motion against expected motion patterns. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect anomalies such as cable breaks or spring failures, providing the computer with awareness of the physical state of mechanical components that would otherwise remain undetected.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing the integrity of a fluid flow regulator system for a turbine engine, the system including a fluid-passing duct associated with a movable flap; an actuator having a movable drive element suitable for delivering a movement force between a first position corresponding to the closed position of the movable flap and a second position corresponding to the open position of the movable flap; a push-pull cable interconnecting the drive element and the movable flap; and return device exerting a return force for moving the flap; the method of testing the integrity of the system including in succession: a step of supplying power to the actuator in order to place the drive element in the second position; a step of interrupting the supply of power; and a step of measuring the position of the drive element.