Aircraft Engine Shield with Extendable Pole and Locking Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine protective covers require unsafe installation methods, such as using ladders, and are often bulky, heavy, and not fully effective in protecting sensitive components from foreign objects and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering aircraft engine inlet cover with an extendable pole for safe ground-level installation, featuring forward locking arms and interior rear arms that eliminate the need for fasteners and provide secure, gap-free protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional protective covers are used, then engine openings are protected from foreign objects, but the devices are bulky, heavy, and require ladders for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level installation to aerial installation by introducing a blimp platform that can hover above the engine opening. This dimensional change allows the protective cover to be installed without requiring ladders or climbing, thereby improving installation safety while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blimp as an intermediary platform between the ground and the engine opening. The blimp carries the protective cover and positioning mechanisms, serving as a mediator that enables safe installation at height without direct human exposure to dangerous climbing or falling risks.
2Reliability
If traditional protective covers are used, then engine openings are protected, but the devices are heavy and require multiple personnel for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lifting and positioning with an automated robotic system mounted on the blimp. The robotic arm and positioning mechanisms automatically deploy and secure the protective cover, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to manually handle heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning systems and adjustable robotic arms that can adapt to different engine opening positions and orientations. This dynamic capability allows a single operator to control the installation process, reducing the need for multiple personnel despite the equipment's weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fasteners and tethers are used to attach the device, then the cover is securely attached, but the hardware can damage aircraft surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible adhesive films or magnetic attachment systems instead of rigid fasteners and tethers. These flexible materials can conform to the aircraft surface without creating sharp edges or concentrated loads that could damage the skin, while still providing secure attachment of the protective cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical (fasteners, tethers) to chemical or magnetic (adhesives, magnetic plates). This parameter change in the attachment method eliminates the need for penetrating or clamping hardware, thereby preventing damage to aircraft surfaces while maintaining secure attachment.
4Ease of manufacture
If materials like vinyl, nylon, or rubber are used, then the cover is flexible and easy to manufacture, but the materials cannot sustain high temperatures and allow moisture penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials that combine the manufacturing advantages of traditional materials with the thermal and moisture resistance of advanced materials. For example, a composite structure might use a heat-resistant ceramic coating over a flexible polymer substrate, or a layered structure with moisture barriers and thermal insulation, achieving both ease of manufacture and material durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting materials with higher temperature thresholds and lower permeability. Instead of standard vinyl or rubber, the patent employs materials such as PTFE (Teflon), silicone rubber with enhanced heat resistance, or coated fabrics that can withstand jet engine temperatures and prevent moisture penetration while remaining manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for use with aircraft equipment that covers the opening of an aircraft housing using two sets of moveable arms to secure the shield in place. A drive mechanism containing a nut that engages with the two sets of arms differently to allow movement of the two sets of arms at different rates and to allow one set of arms to move when another set of arms is locked in place. Both sets of arms as well as the hub assembly containing the drive mechanism are covered with a weather resistant fabric that prevents material from entering the housing. The arms are pivotably connected to a hub assembly housing that allows one end of the arms to pivot in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the opposing side of the same arm.