Aircraft Engine Assembly Stand for Low-Moment Case Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for assembling and maintaining aircraft engines are inefficient in managing the loads and moments exerted on the components during assembly and disassembly, leading to potential damage and limited access for maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly stand that utilizes a cradle and support arm system to securely mount and rotate aircraft engine sections, minimizing load moments by providing dual-axis support and allowing horizontal orientation, thereby facilitating easier access and reducing the need for temporary supports during assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-point mounting method is used to support the first section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load moments increase causing potential damage and limited access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple support points (first location and second location) instead of a single point, allowing the load to be distributed and reducing the moment arm effect. The support arm itself is segmented into longitudinal and arcuate sections that can be mounted at different locations on the case assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm provides support in a different spatial dimension by extending radially from the cradle to the case assembly, creating a three-dimensional support structure that reduces load moments through proper geometric arrangement of support points.
2Device complexity
If the first section is mounted vertically on the cradle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accessibility for assembly and maintenance operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed to be rotatable, allowing the first section to be dynamically repositioned from a vertical mounting orientation to a horizontal working orientation. This dynamic capability enables easy access for assembly and maintenance operations while maintaining a simple vertical mounting structure.
3Reliability
If temporary supports are used during assembly operations, then the reliability of the assembly process is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to additional setup and removal time
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle and support arm system serves multiple functions: it acts as a permanent mounting structure, provides temporary support during assembly operations, and enables repositioning for maintenance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temporary supports, improving both reliability and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of assembling an aircraft engine (10) having a case assembly (20) is disclosed, and includes mounting a first section of the case assembly (20) to a cradle (120) at a first location on the first section, mounting a support arm (130) to both of the cradle (120) and the first section at a second location on the first section. The second location is axially offset from the first location relative to a central axis of the aircraft engine (10). The method also includes, while the first section is supported by the support arm (130): assembling a second section of the case assembly (20) to the first section, and mounting an engine support (140) to the second section. The support arm (130) is then disconnected from the case assembly (20).