Aircraft Thrust Reverser Installation Guide Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of thrust reversers on aircraft engines is ergonomically challenging and complex, requiring technicians to climb on the engine and rely on cranes for support, which can shift and sway, increasing manufacturing complexity and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The guide systems and hinge structures facilitate the installation of thrust reversers by providing a secure, ergonomic method that eliminates the need for technicians to climb on the engine and reduces crane dependency, using hooks and pins to align and support the thrust reverser components, allowing for stable and controlled installation without lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If technicians climb on the engine and rely on cranes for support during thrust reverser installation, then the installation can be performed, but safety risks increase and manufacturing complexity increases due to crane shifting and swaying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide systems as intermediary components that mediate between the thrust reverser and the engine pylon. These guides provide stable alignment and support during installation, eliminating the need for technicians to climb on the engine and reducing dependency on cranes. The guide system acts as a mediator that ensures precise positioning without the instability and safety risks associated with crane-based installation methods.
2Ease of operation
If cranes are used to support thrust reverser components during installation, then the components can be positioned, but lateral movement and swaying occur, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the crane system and incorporates it into dedicated guide components attached to the engine pylon. By taking out the positioning responsibility from the crane, the system eliminates lateral movement and swaying issues. The guides provide stable, precise alignment while the crane is removed from the installation process, significantly reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If technicians climb on the engine for installation, then direct access to components is achieved, but ergonomic challenges and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is designed to be self-aligning and self-supporting during the installation process. The guides automatically provide stable positioning and alignment for the thrust reverser components without requiring technician intervention at height. This self-service capability eliminates the need for technicians to climb on the engine, thereby removing the associated safety risks while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Guide systems for installing aircraft structures are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first guide structured to be supported by a first hinge component of a first aircraft structure and a second guide structured to be supported by a second hinge component of a second aircraft structure. The first guide is to receive the second guide when the second structure is at an installation angle relative to the first structure. Engagement between the first guide and the second guide to enable rotational movement of the first hinge component and the second hinge component when the second aircraft structure moves to an installed position.