Turbomachine Vane Positioning Anomaly Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring the operating state of variable-geometry members in turbomachines, such as air inlet vanes, require manual intervention and do not effectively test the entire system, including the actuator and control circuit, leading to potential degradation and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically monitors the operating state of variable-geometry members by measuring pivoting times and speeds under controlled hydraulic conditions, using a computer-controlled electrohydraulic system to determine anomalies, allowing for automatic testing during engine stoppages and assessing the functionality of the entire control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual maintenance testing is performed regularly to verify the resisting force of the vanes, then the operating state can be monitored, but it requires frequent operator intervention and engine removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring of operating stateVSAvoidoperator intervention frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring the resisting force of the vanes during normal operation without requiring external operator intervention. The control unit continuously monitors the actuator current and compares it against threshold values to detect anomalies in the vane positioning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical testing method is replaced by an electrical/electronic monitoring system that uses current sensors and control units to detect mechanical resistance issues through electrical parameter analysis during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual testing with torque wrench is used to verify resistant force level, then accurate measurement is achieved, but it requires engine removal and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistant force measurementVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system operates continuously during normal engine operation, continuously measuring the actuator current required to position the vanes. This eliminates the need for periodic shutdowns and engine removals, as the useful action of monitoring is performed continuously without interrupting engine operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of directly measuring mechanical force with a torque wrench, the system uses electrical current as an intermediary parameter. The control unit measures the electrical current required to drive the actuator, which indirectly but precisely indicates the mechanical resistance encountered by the vanes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional manual testing is performed, then only the vane side resistance is tested, but the actuator and supply circuit degradation remains undetected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of degradationVSAvoidscope of system testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system serves multiple functions: it detects vane positioning issues, actuator degradation, and supply circuit problems all through a single integrated system. The control unit analyzes current characteristics to identify the specific component failing, making the system universally applicable to various failure modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously receives feedback from the actuator current sensor and compares the measured current against expected threshold values. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect deviations indicating degradation in any component of the positioning system and trigger appropriate warnings or maintenance actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables automatic and comprehensive monitoring of variable-geometry members, reducing the need for manual intervention and identifying potential issues before they lead to performance degradation, while utilizing non-functional engine phases for testing.

Implementation Method 1

the power of said hydraulic actuator depending on hydraulic liquid pressures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

an electrohydraulic member current-controlled by a computer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrohydraulic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11920483B2Method for monitoring the operating state of a system for positioning variable-geometry members of a turbomachine

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for monitoring the operating state of a system for positioning variable-geometry members (18) of a turbomachine (10), the members (18) being configured to travel over an operating area comprising a first position P1 and a second position P2, the method comprising the steps of: —(E23) determining a first pivoting speed V1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2; —(E25) determining a second pivoting speed from the second position P2 to the first position P1; and—(E26) determining an anomaly in the operation of the system for positioning the members (18) if the first speed V1 is lower than a first determined speed threshold and/or if the second speed V2 is lower than a second determined speed threshold.