Planet Carrier Disassembly Tool for Turbofan Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disassembly of a two-part planet carrier in turbofan reduction mechanisms is difficult and risks damage due to the high extraction force required for connection axles, exceeding 18 tonnes, and the limited space for conventional tools to apply such forces.
Innovation Solution
A tool set comprising a cylinder with a piston to apply force on the connection axle and a support that can be anchored to the planet carrier's finger, with shims and anchors to distribute and manage the extraction force, allowing coaxial alignment and effective disassembly without damaging the carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tools are used to extract connection axles, then disassembly can be accomplished, but the high extraction force (over 18 tonnes) risks damaging the planet carrier and there is insufficient space for tool placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized extraction tool that acts as an intermediary between the connection axle and the operator. This tool includes a support element that distributes the extraction force over a larger area of the planet carrier, and a transmission element that translates applied force into axial extraction force on the connection axle. The intermediary tool structure allows force application without direct contact that would concentrate stress and cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction tool utilizes the radial dimension of the planet carrier by positioning the support element on the outer surface, allowing force to be applied from the outside inward through the thickness of the carrier. This dimensional approach enables force application without requiring radial space that would interfere with the compact planet carrier geometry.
2Productivity
If extraction force is applied to separate cage and cage carrier, then disassembly is achieved, but the limited space prevents placement of conventional tools capable of applying such forces
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool is designed with a nested structure where the support element, transmission element, and force application mechanism are concentrically arranged around the connection axle. The support element forms an outer ring that can be positioned on the planet carrier surface, while the transmission element extends inward toward the axle, creating a compact nested arrangement that fits within the limited radial space of the planet carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design exploits the axial dimension by extending the transmission element along the axis of the connection axle, allowing force application in the axial direction without requiring significant radial or tangential space. This dimensional orientation enables the tool to function within the constrained geometry of the planet carrier assembly.
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
Enables the safe and efficient disassembly of the planet carrier by distributing the high extraction forces, reducing the risk of damage and accommodating the limited space constraints, facilitating the removal of connection axles without harming the planet carrier.
Implementation Method 1
a cylinder (41) comprising a body and a piston (42), the piston (42) being configured to apply a force on the connection axle (14)
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment for disassembling a planet carrier is provided. The planet carrier includes a cage, a cage carrier, and a connection shaft. The cage includes an inner bridge and an outer bridge. The cage carrier include a finger bar to be inserted between the inner bridge and the outer bridge. The connection shaft is housed in through-holes formed in the bridges and in the finger bar, such as to retain the cage on the cage carrier. The equipment includes a jack and a support. The jack includes a body and a piston, the piston being designed to apply a force to the connection shaft. The support is designed to bear on the finger bar when the piston applies a force to the connection shaft.