Modular Waste Liquid Separator for High-Altitude Aircraft Engine Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft engine washing technologies face challenges in accessing rear-mounted engines, particularly those located high above the ground, requiring heavy machinery for lifting and positioning washing equipment, which is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A portable and modular separator/collector apparatus comprising a support structure, droplet separator, and waste liquid collector, allowing for manual handling and assembly at the site, enabling efficient collection of waste liquid without the need for powerful lifting means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large apparatus is used for collecting waste liquid, then the collection function is complete, but the device cannot be manually handled and requires powerful lifting means
Solution Approach 1:
The waste liquid separator/collector is divided into separate modular components including a droplet separator unit and a collector unit that can be handled independently. Each module is sized and weighted to allow manual handling by operators, eliminating the need for powerful lifting machinery while maintaining complete waste liquid collection functionality through the combined modular system.
2Reliability
If a complete waste liquid separator/collector is used, then the collection function is effective, but it requires powerful lifting means for positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The complete waste liquid separator/collector system is segmented into multiple lighter modules that can be transported and positioned separately using standard airport lifting equipment. The modular design reduces the weight of each individual component while maintaining the overall collection efficiency when modules are assembled together at the installation location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard lifting means are used, then they are available at airports, but they cannot lift apparatus to high elevations of 30-40 feet
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the waste liquid collector into lightweight modular components, the system becomes compatible with standard airport lifting equipment that has weight limitations. The modules can be individually lifted to high elevations of 30-40 feet and then assembled on the platform, enabling access to rear engines mounted at high positions that were previously unreachable with conventional equipment.
4Ease of operation
If a portable modular device is used, then manual handling is enabled, but the device requires assembly at the place of use
Solution Approach 1:
The modular waste liquid separator/collector components are designed with pre-integrated connection interfaces and mounting features that enable rapid assembly at the installation location. The preliminary design of connection mechanisms and standardized interfaces minimizes the time required for on-site assembly, allowing operators to quickly configure the system after transporting the modular components to the high elevation work platform.
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 modular device allows for easy assembly and operation at high elevations, facilitating efficient waste liquid collection during aircraft engine washing, even in areas where large apparatuses cannot be physically located, enhancing accessibility and operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
droplet separator connectable to the support structure
Implementation Method 2
droplet separator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a modular waste liquid separator and collector device (10), comprising component modules. A first module comprises a support structure (12), a second module comprises a droplet separator (14) connectable to said support structure, and a third module comprises a waste liquid collector (16). The component modules are individually portable, and are assembled at the point of use.