Removable Modular Arm for Turbofan Ancillary Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mounting and maintenance of ancillaries between the outer and inner fan ducts in turbofan jet engines are time-consuming and impractical, requiring precise individual mounting and dismounting of components.
Innovation Solution
A removable modular arm is introduced, which forms a standardized assembly of elements that can be easily mounted and dismounted, calibrated for various applications, and features tubing elements with connection means and a shaped jacket for secure and efficient ancillary connections between the outer and inner fan ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ancillaries are mounted individually on blocks projecting from panel supporting plates, then precise mounting order and secure connections are achieved, but mounting and maintenance become time-consuming and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently assembled and configured. Each segment can be pre-assembled with connection elements, allowing rapid installation by simply connecting the segments together rather than mounting individual ancillaries one by one on blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm segments are pre-assembled with connection elements and mounting features before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the arm to be installed as a complete modular unit, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual mounting operations during maintenance or initial assembly.
2Ease of operation
If access doors are provided on the outer fan duct for mounting ancillaries, then access to the inner fan duct is enabled, but the access procedure becomes unpractical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed to be removable from the outer fan duct structure. By extracting the arm as a separate removable component rather than a permanently integrated structure, maintenance personnel can access and replace the arm without complex procedures involving access doors and inner fan duct manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm transitions from a fixed, permanently mounted structure to a dynamic, removable component. This allows the arm to be easily installed and removed as needed, simplifying maintenance procedures and eliminating the need for complex access door operations.
3Productivity
If a removable modular arm is used for ancillary connections, then mounting and maintenance become simpler and faster, but the structure requires standardized assemblies and calibrated elements
Solution Approach 1:
The arm segments are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized mounting features that can accommodate different ancillary configurations. This universality allows the same modular arm design to serve multiple functions and applications, simplifying inventory and maintenance while maintaining productivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular arm system uses standardized connection parameters and calibrated dimensions that enable rapid assembly. By establishing standard parameters for connection interfaces, mounting holes, and alignment features, the system achieves high productivity through repeatable, precision manufacturing rather than increased complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbofan jet engine includes an outer fan duct, an inner fan duct, fluid-conveying ancillaries located outside the outer fan duct, fluid-conveying ancillaries located inside the inner fan duct. At least one removable modular arm forming a connection for ancillaries is arranged between the outer fan duct and the inner fan duct. The removable arm provides a connection of ancillaries outside the outer fan duct to ancillaries inside the inner fan duct.