Kinematic Link Clearance Monitoring in Turbojet Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the clearance in the kinematic link between control members and receiving members in turbomachines, such as aircraft turbojet engines, are lengthy, complex, and require engine immobilization, making them inefficient and costly, with high operational risks due to undetected excessive clearance leading to potential malfunctions and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves displacing the control member in a turbomachine to measure the total clearance by comparing the travel between two positions, allowing for rapid and reliable monitoring without engine dismantling, using operating parameters like rotational speed to determine if the clearance exceeds predetermined limits, thereby necessitating visual inspection and potential mechanical interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection of the actuating cylinder and kinematic link is performed, then the clearance can be assessed, but the engine must be stopped and significant operation time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection method with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors mounted on the engine continuously monitor the position of the actuating cylinder and kinematic link, automatically detecting clearance variations without requiring manual intervention or engine shutdown. This substitution of mechanical inspection with automated sensing resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system enables the engine to self-diagnose clearance issues through continuous automated sensing and data processing. The system independently detects clearance variations, compares them against predetermined thresholds, and generates alerts without external intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for scheduled manual inspections, resolving the time loss contradiction while maintaining monitoring reliability.
2Reliability
If visual inspection is performed to assess clearance, then clearance can be evaluated, but it requires engine stoppage and is a lengthy operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated optical or positional sensors that continuously measure the clearance between the actuating cylinder and kinematic link. These sensors provide real-time quantitative data, eliminating the subjectivity and time-consuming nature of visual assessment. The automated system maintains detection accuracy while dramatically improving maintenance efficiency by enabling continuous monitoring during engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system operates continuously during engine operation, providing uninterrupted clearance monitoring. Unlike periodic visual inspections that stop production, the automated system maintains continuous useful action by monitoring clearance in real-time without interrupting engine operation. This resolves the contradiction by preserving detection accuracy while maximizing productivity through uninterrupted operation.
3Productivity
If the clearance is not monitored, then the engine can operate continuously, but excessive clearance may lead to blade friction and serious incidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based monitoring system where sensors continuously measure clearance and feed this data to a control system. The system compares measured clearance against predetermined safe thresholds and provides feedback alerts when clearance approaches dangerous levels. This feedback mechanism enables continuous operation while maintaining safety, resolving the contradiction by allowing productivity to continue uninterrupted while preventing malfunction through active clearance management.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs preliminary detection of clearance issues before they reach dangerous levels. By continuously measuring clearance and comparing it against predetermined thresholds, the system identifies potential problems early, allowing preventive maintenance to be scheduled before excessive clearance causes blade friction or serious incidents. This preliminary action enables continuous operation while maintaining safety through proactive clearance management.
Data Source
AI summary
The method consists, based on an operating parameter of the turbojet engine, in:displacing said control member (11) in a direction as far as a first position (P1) for which the receiving members (5) are rotated so as to take up the clearance of the kinematic link (12),then displacing said control member in the direction opposing the previous direction, as far as a second position (P2) when a variation of the selected operating parameter is observed, and in ascertaining the travel of the control member (11) between the two positions corresponding to the total clearance of the kinematic link (12), andcomparing the ascertained value of said travel of the control member with a predetermined limit value and, if it is observed that the ascertained value of the travel of the control member is greater than said limit value, to carry out monitoring of the kinematic link (12).