Laser Alignment System for Aircraft Engine Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing aircraft engines into military aircraft, such as the F-35, are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the complexity of aligning the engine trailer with the aircraft engine bay, which can result in damage to the trailer, engine, or aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A laser system is used to align the installation trailer with the aircraft engine bay by positioning a laser transmitter assembly on the trailer rails and a laser receiver target assembly on the engine bay rails, ensuring precise alignment and reducing the risk of misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lead technician physically moves the trailer while requesting adjustments, then the trailer alignment can be controlled, but the technician lacks field of view and direct control over adjustment magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated optical measurement system. Laser transmitters mounted on the trailer and target assemblies on the aircraft automatically measure alignment parameters, eliminating the need for the technician to physically move and visually assess the trailer position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser transmitters and target assemblies as intermediary devices between the trailer and the technician. These devices transmit alignment information optically, providing the technician with precise measurement data without requiring direct visual observation of the trailer's position relative to the aircraft.
2Productivity
If technicians communicate adjustments manually, then alignment can be achieved, but overcompensation or insufficient adjustments occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where laser transmitters continuously measure the trailer's position relative to the aircraft, and this measurement data is provided to the technician in real-time. This quantitative feedback enables precise control of adjustments, preventing overcompensation or insufficient adjustments that occur with manual communication alone.
3Reliability
If traditional manual alignment methods are used, then the process can be completed, but it takes up to eight hours and risks damage to expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow, manual mechanical alignment process with an automated optical measurement and control system. The laser-based measurement system provides real-time alignment data, enabling technicians to make precise adjustments quickly and safely, reducing alignment time from up to eight hours to a fraction of that time while preventing damage to the engine and aircraft.
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 laser alignment system significantly reduces the time required for engine installation, minimizes the risk of damage to the engine, trailer, and aircraft, and enhances the accuracy of the alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
A laser system is used to align the installation trailer with the aircraft engine bay by positioning a laser transmitter assembly on the trailer rails and a laser receiver target assembly on the engine bay rails
Data Source
AI summary
A laser guided alignment system for facilitating installation of an aircraft engine into an engine bay of an aircraft is disclosed herein. A laser assembly may be attached to one or more rails of an engine trailer or rails of an engine bay. A laser receiving assembly may be attached to one or more of the rails of the engine bay or the rails of the trailer. The engine can be moved from the trailer to the engine bay when the laser guide assembly is aligned on target.