ENDOSCOPIC BLENDING SYSTEM

ENDOGRINDER ENDOSCOPIC TOOL

The Endogrinder Endoscopic Tool, a key component of the endoscopic blending system designed by EFER, is a complex tool with a range of operational controls to ensure precision and accuracy during on-wing engine maintenance. The tool consists of a proximal handle, which houses the motor, and a cylindrical tube which houses the videoendoscopic probe, distal tip articulation connecting rods, and drive belt linking motor to distal tip pulleys. The articulating distal tip of the tool is designed to receive interchangeable grinding, brushing, and polishing tools to cater to varying maintenance needs.

The handle of the Endogrinder Endoscopic Tool features a gate through which the tool-specific video probe is inserted and fastened, a 12 V power input, an ON/OFF switch, distal tip articulation control, drive belt tension control, torque variation control, distal tool speed variation control, and a distal tip articulation indicator. These controls ensure optimal performance of the tool during maintenance procedures, allowing for efficient and effective on-wing maintenance of aircraft engines.

In collaboration with the esteemed French aero-engine manufacturer, SNECMA (SAFRAN GROUP), the EFER endoscopic blending system facilitates on-wing grinding, filing, or blending of cracks that have been identified endoscopically on engine blades.

Damage caused by foreign body ingestion is one of the primary causes of incidents in aircraft engines, which is typically found on blade leading edges of compressor stages in the form of impacts. Investigation of these defects, which may involve measurement, is conducted using an ARGUS 900 probe in conjunction with a TIVE 900 MK2 operating unit.

Depending on the number and size of these impacts, engine removal for subsequent blade replacement in a workshop may be necessary. An alternative, cost-effective solution is to use the endoscopic blending system, which allows for the filing or grinding of these defects while the engine remains on-wing.

The EFER endoscopic blending system includes the ENDOGRINDER endoscopic tool, a specialized optical endoscope that is coupled with a MUCAM T900 endoscopic camera, and an EVS 900 MK2 video-light operating unit.

RIGID VIDEO PROBE

The rigid video probe features optical characteristics such as the field and direction of view, as well as mechanical specifications such as diameter and length, which are tailored to the grinding tool it is used with. The probe is equipped with a compact proximal handle that includes a lock mechanism and a two-button keypad used to control the FREEZE and RECORD functions of the associated EVS 900 MK2 unit. The probe also features an integral video-light cable that can be connected to the EVS 900 MK2 unit.