Turbine Engine Trim Balancing via Sensor Data Veracity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining a trim weight configuration to balance rotating structures in turbine engines are labor-intensive, require specialized equipment and training, and often result in prolonged aircraft downtime due to the need for multiple iterations of balancing operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system for a turbine engine assembly that includes a controller with a processor and memory, capable of receiving data from sensors indicative of an out-of-balance condition, analyzing the data to determine its veracity, and generating a new trim configuration based on selected data sets stored in predefined engine operating ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ground-based equipment and methods are used to determine trim weight configuration, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and loss of time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical balancing equipment with a control system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine trim weight configurations. The system substitutes physical measurement devices with electronic sensing and computational analysis, eliminating the need for specialized ground-based balancing equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model or copy of the engine's vibration characteristics through sensors that monitor rotational data. This digital representation allows the system to analyze balance conditions without physical interference, replacing the need for complex mechanical testing equipment with virtual modeling and data analysis.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional balancing methods are used, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases due to multiple iterations and specialized training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of vibration data and generates trim weight configuration recommendations before actual balancing operations are needed. By pre-calculating the optimal weight configurations based on sensor data, the system eliminates the need for multiple iterative testing phases and reduces the time required for on-site balancing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor engine vibration characteristics, and the control system processes this information to generate trim configurations. This closed-loop feedback allows for rapid verification and adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple iterative balancing operations and reducing overall maintenance time.
3Measurement precision
If specialized equipment and training are required for balancing operations, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically analyzing sensor data, determining balance conditions, and generating trim weight configurations without requiring specialized operator intervention. The system serves itself by processing vibration data and producing actionable recommendations, eliminating the need for highly trained personnel while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the engine's vibration characteristics and the required trim weight configurations. This intermediary layer automatically processes complex sensor data and translates it into actionable recommendations, eliminating the need for operators to directly interpret complex vibration patterns while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a turbine engine assembly includes a controller operable to control operation of the turbine engine assembly and to determine a trim configuration to balance a rotating engine structure associated with the turbine engine assembly. The controller is programmed to determine the trim configuration based on information indicative of an out of balance condition of the rotating engine structure and an assigning a quality score based on a determined veracity of the information.