Aircraft Engine Support Stand With Slotted Universal Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine support solutions are often engine-specific and not suitable for universal use, limiting their applicability to multiple engine types, and they do not allow for easy manipulation and storage of engines when not mounted on an aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A support stand assembly with a mounting structure and a frame that includes engine support members with brackets and slots, allowing for the engagement of various aircraft engines, and additional support members that can be displaced along tracks for versatile support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing support solutions are formed as part of the engine assembly, then the engine can be extensively manipulated once parked, but the solutions become engine-specific and not suitable for use with more than one engine
Solution Approach 1:
The support stand assembly is designed with universal brackets and mounting structures that can accommodate multiple engine types. The brackets are configured to engage with various engine configurations without requiring engine-specific customization, thereby achieving multi-functionality and universal applicability while reducing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support stand assembly is divided into modular components including interchangeable brackets, adjustable support members, and separable mounting structures. This segmentation allows different bracket configurations to be used with the same basic support stand framework, enabling universal applicability across different engine types without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal support stand is designed to accommodate various engine sizes and types, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support stand incorporates adjustable support members that can be displaced along tracks and repositioned to accommodate different engine sizes and configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows a single universal design to adapt to various engine types without requiring multiple specialized structures, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets and mounting structures are designed with variable geometric parameters including adjustable slot positions, reconfigurable engagement points, and scalable dimensions. These parameter changes enable the same basic structure to accommodate different engine sizes and types without increasing fundamental design complexity, as the adjustments are made through standardized modification of existing parameters.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting structure is made displaceable between engaged and disengaged positions, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure engagement may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement system incorporates pre-positioned alignment features and guided tracking mechanisms that ensure the mounting structure automatically aligns with the correct engagement position before contact is made. This preliminary alignment cushioning prevents misengagement and ensures reliable secure positioning while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive, error-proof engagement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure utilizes self-latching mechanisms and automatic engagement features that secure the structure in the engaged position without requiring additional fastening operations. The design allows the mounting structure to self-secure through its own weight and geometric constraints when placed in the engaged position, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliable engagement stability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A support stand assembly (10) for an aircraft engine (30) is provided. The support stand assembly (10) includes a mounting structure (40) adapted to engage with and receive the aircraft engine (30) and a support stand (20) having a frame (50). Engine support members (60a, 60b) extend upwardly from opposed lateral sides of the frame (50). The engine support members (60a, 60b) have brackets (63a, 63b) at upper ends (62a, 62b) thereof. The brackets (63a, 63b) face toward one another and have slots (64a, 64b) defined therein. The mounting structure (40) is displaceable between an engaged position in which the mounting structure (40) is received in the slots (64a, 64b) to prevent relative movement between the mounting structure (40) and the support stand (20), and a disengaged position in which the mounting structure (40) is removed from the slots (64a, 64b).