Turbojet Nacelle Maintenance Cover with Integrated Access Hatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance operations on turbojet nacelles mounted on an airplane fuselage are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need to open and close multiple hatches, which also adds weight and complexity to the hatches for tool access and handling.
Innovation Solution
A nacelle design with a hinged maintenance cover that eliminates the need to install and remove outer shroud hatches, using ball joint and spring-mounted connecting rods for flexible alignment and sealing, and centering mechanisms to simplify and speed up maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple hatches are installed in the outer and inner shrouds to access the central spool, then maintenance access is provided, but maintenance time is unduly lengthened and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outer shroud hatch and inner shroud hatch into a single integrated hatch structure. The outer shroud includes an opening closed by a removable access hatch that is fastened on the maintenance cover, which also provides access through the inner shroud. This merging eliminates the need to sequentially operate multiple hatches, reducing maintenance time and error risk while maintaining full access capability to the central spool.
2Ease of operation
If hatches are equipped with large handles and special arrangements for tool access, then maintenance operations become feasible, but the turbojet becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated hatch structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides access to both the outer shroud and inner shroud, accommodates standard tools without requiring special arrangements, and eliminates the need for heavy handles. The single hatch design with removable access points allows maintenance technicians to use standard tools directly, reducing weight while maintaining operational feasibility.
3Ease of operation
If sequential opening of multiple hatches is required for maintenance, then component access is enabled, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer shroud access and inner shroud access into a single integrated hatch system. The outer shroud includes an opening closed by a removable access hatch fastened on the maintenance cover, which provides direct access through both shrouds. This eliminates the sequential operation of multiple independent hatches, reducing operational complexity and error risk while maintaining full component access capability.
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
This design reduces maintenance time, minimizes errors, and lightens the nacelle by eliminating the need for heavy hatch arrangements, while ensuring reliable access to the turbojet components.
Implementation Method 1
each connecting rod is advantageously spring-mounted. The presence of springs thus serves to exert a compression force on the hatch in the outer shroud when closing the maintenance cover.
Implementation Method 2
each connecting rod is preferably fastened to the access hatch of the outer shroud and to the maintenance cover by means of ball joints. This type of flexible connection thus makes it possible to accommodate relative movements that may occur between the outer shroud and the maintenance cover when closing the cover.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a nacelle for a bypass turbojet, the nacelle comprising: an aerodynamic fairing; a maintenance cover fastened to the aerodynamic fairing by means of at least one connection hinged about a longitudinal axis of the nacelle; a cold stream inner shroud and a cold stream outer shroud placed concentrically inside the aerodynamic fairing so as to define between them a flow passage for a cold stream, the inner shroud having at least one opening closed by a removable access hatch; and the outer shroud includes at least one opening closed by a removable access hatch that is fastened on the maintenance cover.