Floor-Pivoted Handling Apparatus for Gas Turbine Engine Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for packaging small gas turbine engines are inefficient due to the numerous transfers required between handling devices, leading to time-consuming processes and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A handling apparatus pivotally secured to the floor, allowing for the engine to be removably connected, rotated around a vertical axis, and lowered directly into a container, minimizing transfers and facilitating packaging tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If numerous transfers from shipping post to other supporting devices are performed to accomplish packaging tasks, then packaging tasks can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and productivity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging task completionVSAvoidtransfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handling apparatus merges multiple functions (support, rotate, lift, lower) into a single integrated device. The apparatus combines the shipping post support function with rotation capability and direct container interface, eliminating the need for separate supporting devices and transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that can support the engine, rotate it around a vertical axis, lift it, and directly transfer it to the container. This universal device replaces multiple specialized devices that would otherwise be needed for different packaging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the engine is transferred multiple times between different devices, then packaging operations can be performed, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging operation flexibilityVSAvoidpackaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling apparatus incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows the engine to be dynamically repositioned around a vertical axis. This dynamic capability enables the same apparatus to adapt to different packaging configurations and container positions without requiring multiple static devices or transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is pre-configured with rotation and lifting capabilities that allow packaging operations to be performed directly at the container location. By preparing the engine in the correct position and orientation beforehand using the rotation mechanism, the need for subsequent transfers is eliminated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the engine is supported by multiple different devices during packaging, then handling flexibility is achieved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of handling devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling apparatus segments the handling function into distinct operational components: support function, rotation function, lifting function, and lowering function. Each component is integrated into a single device but operates independently, providing flexibility while reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7775022B2Method for handling a gas turbine engine during packaging

Publication Date: 2010.08.17 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

The method is used for handing a gas turbine engine during packaging. The method comprises receiving the engine at a handling apparatus pivotally secured to the floor, removably connecting the engine to the handling apparatus, pivoting the engine while supported on the handling apparatus, lowering the engine into a container, and then removably connecting the engine to the container.