Variable Vane Position Sensor Calibration via Channel Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of position sensors in variable vane assemblies for gas turbine engines is time-consuming and prone to operator error, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential improper calibration.
Innovation Solution
A variable vane assembly with an actuator and position sensors, including a controller that determines and adjusts measured positions to calibrate the sensors, using predetermined positions to calculate and apply position differences, ensuring accurate calibration and control of the vanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual calibration procedures are used for position sensors, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but calibration time increases and operator errors occur leading to improper calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing readings from multiple position sensor channels and adjusting calibration factors without requiring manual operator intervention. The controller executes calibration routines that autonomously determine calibration factors based on measured position data from redundant channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated electronic calibration system. The controller electronically processes sensor signals, calculates calibration factors, and adjusts sensor readings through software algorithms, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional manual calibration procedures are used for position sensors, then operator control is maintained, but operator errors occur leading to improper calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by comparing measurements from multiple independent sensor channels and automatically detecting inconsistencies. The controller autonomously identifies calibration errors and corrects them without requiring operator expertise or manual verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system uses feedback from redundant position sensor channels to verify calibration accuracy. The controller continuously monitors calibration results and adjusts calibration factors based on feedback from multiple measurement channels, ensuring reliable calibration without manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If redundant position sensor channels are used for calibration, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple position sensor channels into a unified calibration process. The controller merges data from redundant channels, compares their readings, and synthesizes a single calibrated output, reducing the effective complexity by integrating multiple measurements into one coherent result.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant position sensor channels serve multiple functions: they provide primary measurement data, enable cross-verification for error detection, and supply backup measurements for calibration. This multi-functionality justifies the additional channels by maximizing their utility across different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a position sensor of a variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes positioning an actuator member in at least one predetermined position, determining a first measured position of the actuator member in the at least one predetermined position with a first channel of a position sensor, determining a second measured position of the actuator member in the at least one predetermined position with a second channel of a position sensor, determining a measured position difference between the first measured position and the second measured position, and calibrating the second channel of the position sensor by adjusting the second measured position by the measured position difference to determine a second calibrated position.