Flat-Pack Aircraft Engine Stand With Hydraulic Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine stands for bulky machines like gas turbine engines face challenges in balancing stability during handling, requiring complex and expensive structures to withstand lateral loads, and limiting transportation efficiency due to space constraints under the engine.
Innovation Solution
A flat-packable engine stand with telescoping legs and hydraulic rams that balance opposing sides of the engine through hydraulic fluid exchange, allowing for stable support and reduced overall size for transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex balancing system with separate structural sections is used to withstand lateral loads, then the stability and reliability improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the balancing system and lateral load resistance functions into a single integrated balance beam structure. The balance beam includes a first section and a second section that work together as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate structural sections while maintaining both stability and lateral load resistance capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance beam is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides balancing action through automatic adjustment and also resists lateral loads through its integrated structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If space is allocated under the engine for ground handling points, then the balancing system can function properly, but the overall height of the engine increases, limiting transportation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the balancing system to operate in a different spatial dimension. Instead of requiring vertical space under the engine, the balance beam extends horizontally and utilizes lateral movement to achieve balancing, thereby eliminating the need for additional vertical clearance and reducing the overall height requirement.
3Volume of moving object
If a flat-packable design is used to reduce storage and transportation space, then the volume efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional telescoping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping legs are integrated with the balance beam structure rather than being separate components. The legs form an inherent part of the balance beam assembly, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact flat configuration while maintaining structural integrity. This integration reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate telescoping mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The engine stand ensures stable, cost-effective, and space-efficient storage and transportation by balancing lateral loads and optimizing package size, reducing complexity and transportation costs.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the forward support and the rear support further includes a hydraulic pipe fluidly communicating the pair of hydraulic rams to each other. The hydraulic pipe is configured to allow a flow of a hydraulic fluid between the pair of hydraulic rams.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flat-packable engine stand (100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for an engine (50) includes a pair of base beams (102A, 102B), a forward support (110), and a rear support (114). The forward support (110) and the rear support (114) include a pair of forward support members (112A, 112B) and a pair of rear support members (116A, 116B), respectively, that are configured to engage opposing sides of the engine (50). At least one of the forward support (110) and the rear support (114) further includes a pair of telescoping legs (120A, 120B), a pair of hydraulic rams (122A, 122B) coupled to and configured to telescopically actuate a respective telescoping leg (120A, 120B), and a hydraulic pipe (124) fluidly communicating the pair of hydraulic rams (122A, 122B). The hydraulic pipe (124) is configured to allow a flow of a hydraulic fluid (126) between the pair of hydraulic rams (122A, 122B).