Aircraft Engine Transport Cart With Dual Support Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling aircraft engines with test equipment and transporting these assemblies to test cells are complex, time-consuming, and prone to damage, as they lack a suitable and efficient handling solution.
Innovation Solution
A cart with a planar base frame, steerable wheels, vertically extending posts, and movable engine arms, along with adapter arms, facilitates the assembly of an aircraft engine with a test nacelle and enables efficient transportation to and from a test cell by securely engaging and disengaging the engine with the test equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a crane or monorail is used to manipulate the aircraft engine, then the engine can be moved and positioned, but the manipulation becomes complex and time-consuming, and there is a risk of damage to the engine and test equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized cart as an intermediary device between the aircraft engine and the test equipment. This cart includes a base frame with vertically extending posts, engine arms for carrying the engine, and adapter arms for engaging with the adapter. The cart simplifies the manipulation process by providing dedicated engagement points and controlled movement capabilities, replacing the complex crane/monorail system and reducing assembly time while minimizing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the base frame for stability, vertically extending posts for support, engine arms for engine carriage, and adapter arms for test equipment engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall ease of operation and reducing the time required for assembly operations.
2Length of moving object
If a compact cart is used for transporting the aircraft engine, then the cart width is reduced for easier transport, but the cart cannot accommodate both engine assembly and test equipment assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cart is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: transporting the aircraft engine, assembling the engine with test equipment, and facilitating disassembly operations. The base frame with vertically extending posts serves as a common structural element that supports both engine arms for engine handling and adapter arms for test equipment engagement, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the cart structure vertically with posts that rise from the base frame, creating additional vertical space and dimensional capacity. This vertical extension allows the cart to accommodate both engine arms and adapter arms without increasing the horizontal footprint, maintaining compact width while providing the versatility needed for both assembly operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a cart (2) for transporting an aircraft engine, comprising a base frame (4) equipped with wheels (6) for riding on a floor; at least two engine arms (14, 16) extending horizontally and movable vertically relative to the base frame, structured and designed for supporting the aircraft engine; and at least two adapter arms (20) extending horizontally at a higher level than the at least two engine arms, structured and designed for supporting an adapter coupled at the top of the aircraft engine. Disclosed is also a method of transporting an aircraft engine to a test cell.