Aircraft Engine Core Exchange Ground Support Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine core transport systems are large, labor-intensive, and lack accurate alignment methods, requiring removal of nacelle components for engine core installation or removal.
Innovation Solution
The development of ground support equipment (GSE) with forward and aft supports, lifting components, suspension rails, translating rails, and alignment fittings that attach to the pylon and engine fan module, allowing for vertical and lateral actuation to align and securely position the engine core relative to the engine fan module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prior art engine core transport systems are used, then engine cores can be transported, but the systems are large and require removal of nacelle components, increasing labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into separate functional modules: suspension rails that attach to the pylon, translating rails that attach to the engine core, and alignment fittings that attach to the engine fan module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for a single large complex system and removing the requirement to detach nacelle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment fittings serve as intermediary components that mediate between the translating rails and the engine fan module. These fittings provide alignment pins and ramp portions that guide the translating rails into proper alignment with the engine core, enabling accurate positioning without direct complex interactions between the transport system and nacelle components.
2Measurement precision
If prior art methods are used for installing engine cores, then installation can be performed, but accurate and efficient alignment with engine fan modules is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment fittings are pre-installed on the engine fan module before the engine core arrival. The alignment pins protrude from these fittings in advance, ready to engage with the translating rails. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during the actual installation process, achieving both high precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical alignment process is replaced by a guided engagement system. The ramp portions on the alignment fittings automatically guide the translating rails into proper alignment through controlled mechanical interaction, replacing manual alignment operations with an automated guidance mechanism that ensures both accuracy and speed.
3Productivity
If traditional transport systems are used, then engine cores can be moved, but the amount of labor involved is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The translating rails are designed to self-align with the engine fan module through the guidance provided by the alignment fittings. As the translating rails move forward, the alignment pins automatically engage and guide them into the correct position without requiring manual intervention or complex positioning operations, significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining high installation speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient, accurate, and labor-saving installation and removal of aircraft engine cores, reducing the need for nacelle component removal and improving alignment precision, thus enhancing the engine core exchange process.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting components may comprise at least one of ropes, cords, wire, or chains taken up and let out by an actuator to vertically lift the suspension rails and the engine core.
Implementation Method 2
The translating rails may be translatable relative to the suspension rail via a rack and pinion gear system, slider rails and fittings, or by any method of translating one object relative to another.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and ground support equipment (GSE) for attaching an engine core to an engine fan module on an aircraft pylon. The GSE may comprise GSE supports and lifting components attached to the pylon, two suspension rails attached to the lifting components, two translating rails translatably attached to the two suspensions rails and fixedly attached to opposite sides of the engine core, and two alignment fittings fixed to the engine fan module. The method of using the GSE may comprise lifting the engine core vertically using the lifting components and anchoring the suspension rails to the alignment fittings. The translating rails and engine core may then be translated in an aft-to-forward direction such that portions of the translating rails engage portions of the alignment fittings to cooperatively guide the translating rails into a final forward position in which the engine core is aligned relative to the engine fan module.