Jet Engine Nacelle Half-Shell Immobilization During Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
During maintenance operations of turbojet nacelles, the separation of half-shells can cause damage to sensitive positioning means due to stress, leading to potential equipment failure during flight.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating immobilization means, such as a finger and groove system, to prevent translation of the half-shells during maintenance, ensuring that only non-sensitive portions are subjected to wear and can be easily replaced, while maintaining precise positioning for interaction in the working position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the half-shells are separated during maintenance operations, then access to the turbojet is enabled for maintenance, but the positioning means are damaged due to stress and translation of the half-shells
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the positioning function into two separate systems: positioning means for normal operation and immobilization means for maintenance. The immobilization means (finger and groove system) are distinct from the positioning means, allowing independent function during maintenance operations without damaging the sensitive positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
Before separating the half-shells for maintenance, the immobilization means are activated to prevent any translation of the half-shell along its axis. This preliminary action ensures that when the half-shell is reattached, the positioning means will not be damaged by unintended movement or misalignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the positioning means are made sensitive and precise for flight operation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but they become vulnerable to damage during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilization means act as an intermediary protective mechanism during maintenance operations. When the half-shell is in the maintenance position, the immobilization means (finger engaged in groove) prevent any translation that could damage the precise positioning means, allowing maintenance work to proceed without risking the sensitive positioning components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the half-shells are allowed to translate along their axis during maintenance, then adjustment might be possible, but the positioning means are damaged due to stress
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilization means apply a counter-action to prevent any translation of the half-shell along its axis during maintenance. The finger engaged in the groove creates a mechanical constraint that opposes and prevents any unwanted movement, protecting the positioning means from stress and potential damage while allowing necessary maintenance activities.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a jet engine nacelle intended to equip an aircraft, comprising a forward air inlet section, a mid-section intended to surround a fan of the jet engine, and an aft section formed from at least first and second half-shells (9, 10) rotatably mounted about an axis (A) such that they can each be deployed between a working position in which the half-shells (9, 10) are drawn towards one another and a maintenance position in which the half-shells (9, 10) are spaced apart, the mid- and aft sections being connected to one another by a frame (12) which is fixed with respect to the jet engine, the first and second half-shells (9, 10) being equipped with positioning means (13) which in the working position cooperate with complementary positioning means (14) formed on the fixed frame (12). At least the first half-shell (10) is equipped with the locking means (20) which in the maintenance position cooperate with complementary locking means (16, 17) arranged on the fixed frame (12), so as to prevent the first half-shell (10) from moving translationally along its axis (A).