Adjustable Aircraft Engine Storage Frame for Multi-Mount Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft engine storage solutions fail to provide a reliable, easily assembled, and cost-effective means for long-term storage that can accommodate various engine types, sizes, and mounting points, while also allowing for easy transfer and lifting by cranes or forklifts, and are not easily shippable.
Innovation Solution
A storage frame with adjustable legs and attaching arms, anchored to the ground, featuring a central lifting tube for crane or forklift lifting, and designed for compact shipping, which can be easily assembled without welding and adapted to different engine mounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex and robust shipping support stand is used to support the engine, then the engine can be securely transported and rotated, but the cost increases significantly for long term storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of engine support from the complex shipping stand, creating a separate, simplified storage frame that only needs to hold the engine stationary. The rotating and transportation functions are removed, leaving a cost-effective solution for long-term storage that maintains reliability for the core support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into two distinct components: a shipping support stand for transportation and a separate storage frame for long-term storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining reliability for both purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a storage frame is designed to accommodate multiple engine types with different mounting points, then versatility increases, but the device complexity and adjustment mechanisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage frame employs dynamic, adjustable arms with multiple positioning holes that can be reconfigured to match different engine mounting points. This dynamic adjustability allows a single frame design to accommodate various engine types without requiring complex automated adjustment mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage frame is designed as a universal platform with adjustable components that can adapt to multiple engine types. The attaching arms and positioning system provide multi-functionality, allowing the same frame to securely hold different engine configurations without requiring engine-specific fixtures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the storage frame is designed for easy assembly without welding, then ease of manufacture and assembly increases, but the structural strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into modular components connected by high-strength bolts rather than welding. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity through properly engineered bolted joints that distribute loads effectively across connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method is changed from welding to high-strength bolting, altering the assembly parameter from permanent to reversible while maintaining structural strength. The bolted connections are designed with appropriate torque specifications and structural geometry to achieve strength comparable to welded joints.
4Ease of operation
If the storage frame includes lifting connections for overhead cranes or forklifts, then ease of operation and transferability increases, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is merged with the existing frame structure by integrating lifting eyes and attachment points into the frame's structural members. This eliminates the need for separate, complex lifting mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation, as the lifting connections become an inherent part of the frame design rather than an added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodied invention is a storage frame that supports an aircraft engine with flexible engine mounting and is easily assembled by bolts. It includes feet to anchor the frame to the ground. It has adjustable height legs and is attachable to a variety of engine mount positions. It includes a central lifting tube with lifting connections that allow the frame to be lifted by an overhead crane or forklift. The adjustable legs provide convenience in transferring the engine onto a shipping support stand.