Engine Installation System With Articulating Aftward And Forward Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and time-consuming process of aircraft engine installation requires partial disassembly of aircraft components to avoid collisions during engine mounting, reducing assembly efficiency due to the need for precise positioning without occupying space.
Innovation Solution
An engine installation system comprising aftward and forward members connected via pivotable links and variable-length members, allowing controlled vertical and horizontal movement of the engine into a final mounting position on a pylon, eliminating the need for partial disassembly by articulating to close gaps and position the engine precisely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hoist is used to lift the engine vertically upward, then the engine can be positioned for attachment, but aircraft components must be partially disassembled to avoid occupying the space through which the engine passes, reducing assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from purely vertical engine movement to a two-dimensional movement path by introducing horizontal translation capability. The engine is first raised vertically to a preliminary position, then moved horizontally aftward to the final mounting position, allowing installation without disassembling aircraft components that would occupy the vertical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation system employs variable-length members and pivotable connections that allow the mechanism to dynamically adjust its configuration during the engine installation process. The members can extend and retract, and pivot at connection points, enabling the system to adapt to different positions and avoid collisions with aircraft components.
2Reliability
If aircraft components are partially disassembled to avoid space occupation during engine movement, then collision is avoided, but time is lost due to disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vertical raising of the engine to a position where horizontal movement can occur without interfering with aircraft components. This preliminary action allows subsequent horizontal translation to proceed without requiring disassembly of components, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with disassembly and reassembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools and fixtures are used to assist with assembly, then precision is ensured, but the tools add complexity to the assembly process and do not remain on the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The installation system is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that can perform both vertical lifting and horizontal positioning operations. The same set of members, links, and pivotable connections accomplish multiple tasks in sequence, reducing the need for separate specialized tools and fixtures while maintaining assembly precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine installation system includes two aftward members and two forward members. Each member is connected to a different bootstrap on one end and has a pivotable connection to a pylon on the other end. There is a link that connects one forward member with one aftward member, and another link that connects the other forward member with the other aftward member. There is a variable-length member connected to the bootstrap-end of each of the two aftward members, with each of the variable-length members having a pivotable connection to the pylon.