Engine Core Removal Using Pylon-Mounted Suspender Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing and transporting gas turbine engine cores require large, dedicated equipment and are cumbersome, especially for larger fan diameters, as they necessitate the use of overhead gantries and additional features like nacelle reversers, which complicate the process and increase costs and time.
Innovation Solution
An engine core removal frame arrangement utilizing a platform with a conveyor path and suspender members secured to the engine pylon, allowing the engine core to be removed and transported efficiently by adjusting the platform and conveyor path to maintain the center of gravity within the suspender mounting positions, thereby stabilizing the engine core during removal and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large overhead gantry is used to lift and attach the engine to the aircraft structure, then the engine can be securely transported, but the equipment size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the transportation system into segments: the aircraft pylon remains on the aircraft while separate suspender members are attached to support the engine core. This eliminates the need for a single large overhead gantry, reducing equipment weight while maintaining transport stability through distributed support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft's existing pylon structure is utilized as part of the support system, eliminating the need for external overhead gantries. The suspender members attach directly to the pylon, allowing the aircraft structure to serve its own transportation function, thereby reducing the weight of additional equipment required.
2Ease of operation
If additional features like nacelle reversers are removed to allow rails for engine removal, then the engine can be removed, but the device complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspender members are designed to perform multiple functions: they attach to the pylon, support the engine core weight, and facilitate removal without requiring modification of engine features like nacelle reversers. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall removal system while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspender members are pre-positioned and attached to the pylon before engine removal begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex rail installations and modifications to engine features during the removal process, reducing both device complexity and operation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor path is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different engine positions and attitudes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor path incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt to different engine positions and attitudes (roll/dihedral, nose up, toe in). This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate various installation configurations without requiring a completely fixed, rigid structure, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Transportation of larger diameter gas turbine engines can be problematic. In such circumstances it is known to separate the fan assembly (30) from the engine core (1) and other parts to facilitate transportation. Separation of the fan assembly (30) and engine core (1) can require a gantry which adds to inconvenience and costs. By utilizing a platform (2, 44) with suspender members (43) in the form of boot straps (43) which extend down from an existing pylon (31) it is possible to remove an engine core (1) through a carriage dolly (3, 45) which moves along a rail (21 within the platform (2, 44) generally laterally until it is possible to lower the engine upon the platform to ground level. The platform (2, 44) and carriage dolly (3, 45) can then act as a stand for transportation of the engine core.