Aircraft Engine Spacer Tool for Precise Transport Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft engines have complex mounting assemblies that require stabilization during transport to prevent wear and tear, but existing solutions are inadequate for maintaining the precise relationships between engine-assembly structures.

Innovation Solution

A spacer tool with multiple engagement surfaces, including planar and partially cylindrical surfaces, and indexing structures that maintain engine-assembly structures in a predetermined fixed or spaced-apart relationship, using channels and straps for securement, constructed from materials like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for additive manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing stabilization solutions are used during transport, then some protection is provided, but the precise relationships between engine-assembly structures cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise relationships between engine-assembly structuresVSAvoidstabilization during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer tool acts as an intermediary device between engine-assembly structures, using precisely engineered engagement surfaces and indexing structures to maintain accurate spatial relationships while providing mechanical stabilization during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces inadequate mechanical stabilization methods with a precision spacer tool system that uses carefully designed geometric features (planar surfaces, cylindrical surfaces, indexing structures) to maintain both stability and precise positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If complex mounting assemblies are stabilized during transport, then wear and tear is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear and tear on component partsVSAvoidspacer tool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer tool is segmented into distinct functional features including multiple engagement surfaces, indexing structures with arms and tabs, and channel systems, allowing each element to perform a specific stabilization function while keeping the overall design manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer tool is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides mechanical support, precise positioning, and wear prevention across multiple engine-assembly structures through its various engagement surfaces and indexing structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4474623A1Spacer tools for aircraft engine assemblies, aircraft engine assemblies with spacer tools, and related methods

Publication Date: 2024.12.11 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

Spacer tools for aircraft engine assemblies comprise a body (102) comprising two or more engine-assembly-structure engagement surfaces (104) positioned to respectively engage two or more engine-assembly structures (12). The body is configured to operatively maintain the two or more engine-assembly structures (12) in a predetermined spaced-apart relationship.