Turbomachine Casing Sensor Mounting via Circumferential Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor integration methods for turbomachines require precise machining of radial holes, are complex, expensive, and unreliable, limiting the placement of sensors due to mechanical integrity and obstacle constraints, and prevent efficient measurement of quickly changing physical properties.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system where sensors are mounted on the circumferential interior surface of the turbomachine casing with communication leads routed circumferentially, eliminating the need for radial penetrations and allowing for more flexible and accurate sensor placement, including the use of optical sensors and wireless antenna systems for improved data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radial holes are machined for sensor mounting, then sensors can be positioned on the casing, but the machining process becomes complex, expensive, and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor mounting function from the radial hole machining approach and relocates it to the circumferential interior surface of the casing. This eliminates the need for complex radial drilling operations while maintaining sensor positioning capability through a simpler surface mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of drilling holes radially inward from the exterior surface to mount sensors, the patent inverts the approach by mounting sensors on the interior circumferential surface and routing leads outward. This reversal eliminates the need for precise radial hole machining while achieving the same sensor deployment goal.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radial holes are drilled for sensor arrays, then more sensors can be installed for better measurement, but the mechanical integrity of the casing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial hole drilling (one-dimensional penetration) to circumferential surface mounting (two-dimensional placement). By moving sensors along the circumferential interior surface rather than drilling through the casing wall, multiple sensors can be installed without compromising structural integrity.
3Measurement precision
If radial holes are machined with precise orientation, then sensor measurement accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential interior surface mounting system provides self-aligning characteristics that eliminate the need for complex machining setup and verification procedures. The natural geometry of the circumferential surface guides proper sensor orientation, reducing both time and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on the exterior surface, then installation is simpler, but sensors are exposed to damage and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the sensors within the circumferential interior surface of the casing, placing them in a protected position inside the machine housing. The leads are routed through the casing wall to exterior connection points, providing both protection and electrical connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A casing for a turbomachine is disclosed. The casing includes a casing body including an interior surface and an exterior surface. At least one sensor is coupled relative to the interior surface of the body, the at least one sensor at most only partially extending through the body. A communications lead is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, and extends circumferentially along the interior surface of the body.