Aircraft Engine Transport Cart With Dual Support Arms for Test Cell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inefficient and prone to damage when assembling aircraft engines with test equipment and transporting these assemblies to and from test cells, particularly due to complex and time-consuming manipulations using cranes or monorails.
Innovation Solution
A cart equipped with a base frame, engine arms, and adapter arms that facilitate the assembly of an aircraft engine with a test nacelle and transport it to a test cell, featuring steerable wheels, vertically movable engine arms, and adapter arms that securely engage with the engine and adapter, allowing for precise positioning and self-driven operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cranes or monorails are used to manipulate the aircraft engine, then the engine can be positioned and assembled, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming and prone to causing damages
Solution Approach 1:
The cart serves as an intermediary device between the engine and the test equipment. It provides a stable platform with integrated carrying means that directly supports the engine core, eliminating the need for complex crane or monorail operations. The cart's base frame with rotating carrying means allows straightforward positioning and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart is designed as a multi-functional device that combines transportation, positioning, and assembly support functions. The base frame can support the engine in both vertical and horizontal orientations, and the same cart structure facilitates both assembly operations and transport to test cells, replacing multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If cranes or monorails are used to manipulate the aircraft engine, then the engine can be positioned and assembled, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cart is prepared in advance with the base frame and rotating carrying means positioned to receive the engine core. The carrying means are pre-configured to accept the engine in the required orientation, eliminating time-consuming adjustments during the assembly process. The engine can be directly transferred from vertical to horizontal orientation on the cart without intermediate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating carrying means on the cart base frame enable dynamic repositioning of the engine core between vertical and horizontal orientations. This dynamic capability allows rapid adjustment of engine position and orientation during assembly operations, significantly reducing the time required compared to static crane or monorail systems.
3Ease of operation
If cranes or monorails are used to manipulate the aircraft engine, then the engine can be positioned and assembled, but damages can occur to the aircraft engine and test equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The cart acts as a protective intermediary that provides stable, controlled support for the engine throughout assembly operations. The rotating carrying means ensure smooth, controlled movements that prevent sudden shifts or drops, thereby protecting both the engine and test equipment from damage during positioning and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart's base frame and rotating carrying means are designed to provide continuous, stable support for the engine core during orientation changes and positioning operations. This pre-established support system prevents uncontrolled movements or drops that could cause damage, cushioning the engine against potential hazards before they occur.
4Ease of operation
If a compact cart is used for transporting the aircraft engine, then transport is facilitated, but the cart is not suitable for assembling the complete aircraft engine with test equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The cart is designed as a universal platform that performs both transportation and assembly support functions. The base frame with rotating carrying means can accommodate the engine in various orientations for assembly operations, while the wheeled base enables easy transport. The same structure supports both the engine and the adapter assembly, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating carrying means on the cart base frame enable dynamic repositioning of the engine core between vertical and horizontal orientations. This dynamic capability allows rapid adjustment of engine position and orientation during assembly operations, significantly reducing the time required compared to static crane or monorail systems.
Data Source
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.