Aircraft Engine Assembly Stand With Dual-Point Load Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for assembling and maintaining aircraft engines are inefficient in managing moments and loads during component assembly, leading to potential damage and limited access for workers.

Innovation Solution

A method and assembly stand that uses a cradle and support arm system to securely mount and rotate aircraft engine sections, minimizing moments and loads by providing dual-axis support, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-point mounting system is used to support aircraft engine sections, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loads and moments on the support structure increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidloads on support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple mounting points distributed along the engine section. Instead of a single support point, the system uses multiple cradle locations that分段 support the engine weight, reducing the force concentration at any single point while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid fixed-position support system is used, then the stability of the engine section is improved, but the ease of operation for workers deteriorates due to limited access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine section stabilityVSAvoidworker access to engine

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system transitions from a fixed rigid position to a dynamic adjustable configuration. The cradle and mounting system allow the engine section to be positioned at different orientations and angles, providing stability during assembly while enabling workers to access various parts of the engine from multiple positions as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If heavy-duty support structures are used to handle all loads, then the reliability of the assembly process is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly process reliabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system uses adjustable parameters such as mounting positions, support angles, and load distribution ratios to optimize the balance between reliability and complexity. By changing these parameters rather than over-engineering the entire structure, the system achieves reliable load handling with moderate complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260021896A1Aircraft engine assembly stand and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

A method of assembling an aircraft engine having a case assembly is disclosed, and includes mounting a first section of the case assembly to a cradle at a first location on the first section, mounting a support arm to both of the cradle 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. The method also includes, while the first section is supported by the support arm: assembling a second section of the case assembly to the first section, and mounting an engine support to the second section. The support arm is then disconnected from the case assembly.