Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Pitchometer
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-16
2001-04-03
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Pitchometer
C033S833000, C033S551000, C250S559220, C356S370000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209216
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to airfoil blades and, more particularly, to measuring airfoil blade coordinates.
Airfoil blade edge shapes are critical in turbomachinery which operates at high revolutions per minute, or under high pressure or high temperature conditions. High performance of the airfoil blades enhances the turbomachine efficiency. Accurately determining the dimensions, locations, and attitudes of airfoil blade edges and surfaces facilitates enhancing blade performance.
Airfoil blade measuring systems typically include an airfoil blade positioning apparatus and a separate measuring system. Digital cameras, modified microscopes, or coordinate measuring machines are used to measure blade dimensions, locations, and attitudes. Such cameras, microscopes, and measuring machines do not provide the desired accuracy and reliability, and are expensive, bulky, and slow to produce results.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment, an airfoil measuring system includes two movable alignment slides, and one moveable measurement slide, which are controlled by the computer, and a pair of laser displacement sensors of appropriate range, resolution and accuracy, which receive and emit laser energy signals. A blade engagement tool is mounted to one of the alignment slides and includes a notch which engages and aligns the airfoil blade edge to be measured. The movement of the first and second alignment slides is controlled by a limit switch assembly which, when engaged, causes the two alignment slides to retract after the airfoil blade has been properly aligned.
In operation, the measurement slide moves the laser displacement sensors while the sensors are measuring the edge coordinates and transmitting the measurements back to the computer. The measurements are then repeated at several spanwise elevations along the blade edge. As a result, the airfoil measuring apparatus eliminates more costly and more complicated known blade positioning equipment and provides a system that is highly accurate, reliable, and cost-effective.
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Fulton Christopher W.
General Electric Company
Herkamp Nathan D.
Hess Andrew C.
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