Turbine Rotor Balancing Configuration Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying the balancing configuration of a turbine engine rotor are laborious and prone to human error, requiring manual inspection and reinitialization of the engine monitoring unit (EMU) memory, which can lead to incorrect identification of screw weights and positions.
Innovation Solution
A contactless scanning method using an identification appliance, such as a digital camera with image processing software or an RFID tag reader, to automatically recognize and record the weight and angular position of screws on the rotor, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to identify screw weights and positions, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but human errors occur and the process is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical measurement with an automated optical scanning system. A scanner captures images of the rotor, and image processing software automatically identifies screw positions, weights, and configurations, eliminating human error while maintaining relatively simple hardware requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical screw configuration through image capture and processing. The scanning system generates a digital representation of the rotor with screw locations and characteristics, which can be stored and used for EMU reinitialization without physically touching or dismantling the rotor.
2Ease of operation
If visual identification of screw heads is used, then the equipment remains simple, but human errors are possible while identifying characteristics and angular positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual identification with an automated image recognition system. The scanner and software automatically detect screw head characteristics, determine weights, and calculate angular positions, maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving reliability by eliminating human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification by automatically analyzing the captured images to determine screw configurations. The image processing software autonomously identifies screw characteristics and positions without requiring human interpretation, making the system both simple to operate and highly reliable.
3Loss of information
If partial dismantling or special tools are used to access low-pressure turbine clips, then the balancing configuration can be identified, but the process becomes complex and requires qualified technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical dismantling and special inspection tools with a non-contact optical scanning system. The scanner captures images of the rotor assembly, and software automatically identifies clip configurations on the low-pressure turbine blades, preserving all balancing information without requiring disassembly or specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the balancing configuration information from the physical rotor assembly through image capture and processing. The system isolates and identifies screw and clip characteristics digitally, separating the information extraction process from physical manipulation of the rotor components.
4Productivity
If manual reinitialization of EMU memory is performed, then the process can be completed with basic tools, but it requires qualified technicians and significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry and technician expertise with automated image recognition and data processing. The system automatically captures rotor images, processes them to identify balancing configurations, and transfers the data to EMU memory, dramatically increasing productivity while simplifying operator requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and documentation of the balancing configuration through scanning and image processing before EMU reinitialization. This preliminary capture of accurate screw and clip data eliminates the need for time-consuming manual measurement and entry during the reinitialization process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying the balancing configuration installed on a turbine engine rotor using a plurality of screws forming balance weights that are mounted on the rotor at different angular positions of the rotor is provided. Each screw possesses a predetermined weight and each screw is associated with an element for identifying its weight and for identifying its angular position on the rotor. The method includes contactless scanning of all of the screws mounted on the rotor by an identification appliance capable of recognizing the elements for identifying the weight and the angular position associated with each screw.