Propulsive Assembly Tooling for Vertical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsive assemblies with intermediate casings made of composite materials or reduced structural arms lack sufficient mechanical properties to safely transition from a horizontal to a vertical position, risking damage during maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A tooling system comprising a front tool with a frame and shaft assembly, and a rear tool, connected via a connection member, that stabilizes the fan module and rear casing to distribute forces optimally, allowing the propulsive assembly to be safely tilted, with lifting systems for horizontal and vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intermediate casing is made of composite materials or reduced structural arms to optimize performance, then overall performance of propulsive assembly is improved, but mechanical properties to take up forces in vertical position become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A front tool assembly is introduced as an intermediary device between the lifting system and the propulsive assembly. This front tool includes a frame connected to the front casing and a shaft connected to the rotor, creating a rigid connection that allows the assembly to be lifted and positioned vertically without relying on the intermediate casing's mechanical strength.
2Ease of operation
If front tool is connected only to intermediate casing for lifting, then lifting operation is simple, but intermediate casing must have sufficient mechanical properties which limits design optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and positioning function is segmented into two independent parts: a front tool assembly that connects to the fan module (frame to front casing, shaft to rotor) and a rear tool that connects to the rear casing. This segmentation allows the intermediate casing to be optimized for performance without compromising lifting capability, as the front tool provides the necessary structural support.
3Ease of repair
If propulsive assembly is placed in vertical position without adequate support, then maintenance operation can proceed, but damage may occur due to insufficient mechanical properties of intermediate casing
Solution Approach 1:
The front tool assembly is installed on the propulsive assembly before the lifting and positioning operation. The frame is connected to the front casing and the shaft to the rotor, pre-establishing a rigid support structure that will bear the loads during vertical positioning, thereby preventing damage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The front tool assembly acts as a protective cushioning structure that absorbs and distributes the forces generated during vertical positioning. By providing this additional support structure beforehand, the intermediate casing is protected from exceeding its mechanical limits, ensuring reliable damage prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
Tooling for placing a propulsive assembly from a horizontal position to a vertical position includes a front tool and a rear tool. The front tool has a first assembly with a frame configured to be positioned and maintained with respect to a front casing. The frame has a first connection interface configured to be connected to a first lifting system such that the frame is movable about an axis of rotation (R). The front tool also has a second assembly with a shaft configured to be positioned and maintained with respect to a rotor and a member for connection between the first assembly and the second assembly. The tooling further includes a rear tool configured to be positioned and maintained with respect to the rear casing. The rear tool has a second connection interface configured to be connected to a second lifting system.