Aircraft Engine Attachment Safety Link Clearance Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inspection methods for aircraft engine attachments are laborious and require disassembly, making it difficult to efficiently check the integrity of safety links during routine maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly design that allows for the insertion of a checking tool into a passage within the safety link to measure the clearance, determining the integrity of the engine attachment by comparing the measured length to a predetermined value, without disassembly, indicating whether the safety link is operational or not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used to check safety link integrity, then thorough examination can be performed, but the inspection process becomes laborious and requires disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
A checking tool is introduced as an intermediary device to measure the clearance between the articulation pin and swivel bearing. The tool includes a measurement element that can be inserted through a passage in the clevis to directly measure the clearance distance, eliminating the need for disassembly while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical disassembly-based inspection method is replaced by a non-invasive measurement approach. The checking tool uses a measurement element (such as a calibrated rod or gauge) that can be inserted through an existing passage to measure clearance, substituting the need for physical disassembly with a streamlined measurement process
2Reliability
If frequent inspections are conducted to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The checking tool serves as a mediator that enables rapid inspection through a simple clearance measurement. By using this intermediary device, inspectors can quickly verify safety link integrity without time-consuming disassembly procedures, allowing frequent inspections to be performed efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
A passage is预先 (in advance) provided in the clevis assembly that allows direct access for insertion of the checking tool. This preliminary structural feature enables rapid inspection operations without requiring any disassembly or preparation work during the actual inspection process
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft propulsive assembly comprising a pylon and a turbomachine attached to the pylon by an engine attachment system. The attachment system comprises two engine attachments each secured to the pylon and to the turbomachine. Each engine attachment comprises at least one fitting attached to the pylon by a first main link, and attached to the turbomachine by a second main link. Each main link has a clearance-free fit. The fitting being, moreover, secured to either the pylon or the turbomachine by an additional link, referred to as a safety link, which backs up one of the main links. The safety link is in the form of an assembly with a clearance. The assembly of the safety link comprises at least one passage which receives, in a sliding manner, a tool for checking a presence of the clearance.