Aircraft Engine Spacer Tools for Transport Stability and Wear Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft engines have complex mounting assemblies that require stabilization during transport to prevent wear-and-tear on component parts, but existing solutions are inadequate for effectively maintaining the stability of these assemblies during transport and storage.

Innovation Solution

The development of spacer tools with a body comprising engine-assembly-structure engagement surfaces that maintain engine-assembly structures in a predetermined spaced-apart or fixed relationship, utilizing planar and non-planar surfaces and indexing structures to securely engage with the engine-assembly structures, and optionally featuring channels for securing straps to immobilize the structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing stabilization solutions are used for engine assemblies during transport, then some level of protection is provided, but the complexity of the mounting assemblies cannot be adequately addressed and wear-and-tear cannot be effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of mounting assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer tool is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion for engagement, multiple engagement surfaces for different engine-assembly structures, and optional strap integration. This segmentation allows each part to address specific stabilization needs of complex mounting assemblies independently, providing comprehensive protection without requiring a monolithic complex device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer tool acts as an intermediary device between multiple engine-assembly structures, physically positioning and spacing them relative to each other. This intermediary function stabilizes the complex mounting assembly by creating fixed spatial relationships between components, preventing relative movement and wear during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If engine-assembly structures are allowed to move freely during transport, then ease of handling is improved, but wear-and-tear on component parts occurs and component integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidwear-and-tear on component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer tool is configured to be installed on engine-assembly structures before transport, establishing predetermined spaced-apart relationships between components in advance. This preliminary positioning prevents harmful movement and wear during transport while maintaining ease of handling, as the structures are pre-configured for stable transport without requiring complex restraint systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer tool is designed as a simple, lightweight device that can be easily attached and removed, providing temporary stabilization during transport. The tool itself is a simple structural element rather than a complex mechanical system, making it easy to handle while effectively preventing wear on expensive engine components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250075716A1Spacer tools for aircraft engine assemblies, aircraft engine assemblies with spacer tools, and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Spacer tools for aircraft engine assemblies comprise a body comprising two or more engine-assembly-structure engagement surfaces positioned to respectively engage two or more engine-assembly structures. The body is configured to operatively maintain the two or more engine-assembly structures in a predetermined spaced-apart relationship.