Composite Fan Case Shear Puck Ground Handling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of composite materials in gas turbine engine fan cases has increased complexity and costs due to the need for additional engine support provisions for ground and shipping, which complicates ground handling and shipping processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a composite fan containment case with shear pucks and support structures, including fastening devices, that allows for efficient handling and transportation of the fan case by distributing the weight and enabling easy engagement with ground support devices, thereby simplifying the handling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If composite materials are used for fan cases to reduce weight, then the weight of the fan case is reduced, but the complexity of ground handling and shipping provisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ground handling functions into a single integrated support structure that attaches to the fan case through the existing composite structure. The support structure integrates lifting points, shipping supports, and ground handling provisions into one unified component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining weight reduction benefits of composite materials
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ground handling support, facilitates shipping and transportation, enables vertical lifting, and distributes loads across the composite fan case. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate provisions for each handling scenario, reducing complexity while maintaining lightweight composite construction
2Ease of operation
If additional support provisions are added to composite fan cases for ground handling, then handling capability is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed and positioned during the composite fan case manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as a separate post-manufacturing step. The support provisions are integrated into the composite layup and curing process, eliminating additional manufacturing steps and associated costs while ensuring proper structural integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing composite material properties and structural parameters of the fan case to create support provisions that are inherently compatible with the composite construction. By changing the design approach to work with composite materials rather than against them, the solution avoids expensive reinforcement structures and special handling equipment, reducing manufacturing costs while improving handling capability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a system for handling a gas turbine engine fan case. The system includes a composite fan containment case including a case outer surface, a case inner surface, and at least one main case aperture extending from the case outer surface through the case inner surface, and at least one shear puck, the at least one shear puck including a shear puck protrusion; wherein the shear puck protrusion of each of the at least one shear pucks is disposed within a respective one of each of the at least one main case apertures.