Rotatable Gas Turbine Engine Yoke for Assembly Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional supports for gas turbine engines are often bulky, limiting access and flexibility during assembly and disassembly, and do not allow for easy reorientation or displacement, which hinders efficient maintenance and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A build support system comprising a yoke and stand assembly that is rotatable between horizontal and upright orientations, with engine attachments in a single mounting plane for secure support and easy access, and an adapter for interchangeable use with different yokes and stands, facilitating efficient assembly and disassembly without relying on immobile carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bulky carriers are used to support gas turbine engine components, then structural support is provided, but floor space is occupied and access to components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The build support system employs a rotatable yoke assembly that can transition between horizontal and upright orientations, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables the same structure to provide support while minimizing floor space occupation during different phases of assembly or maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space through the upright orientation capability of the yoke assembly, transitioning from a horizontal floor-based configuration to a vertical space-efficient configuration. This dimensional change allows the support structure to maintain its load-bearing function while significantly reducing its footprint on the floor
2Strength
If conventional fixed carriers are used, then components are supported, but reorientation and displacement are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable yoke assembly provides dynamic reconfiguration capability, allowing the build support system to transition between horizontal and upright orientations and to rotate to different angular positions. This enables adaptability in component positioning and access while maintaining secure support throughout the reorientation process
Solution Approach 2:
The universal adapter design allows the same yoke assembly to work with different engine types and configurations, providing multi-functional support capabilities. The adapter system enables the structure to accommodate various component geometries and mounting requirements while maintaining its primary support function
3Strength
If bulky carriers are used for engine assembly, then structural support is provided, but access to components for assembly and disassembly is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable yoke assembly allows operators to rotate the structure to positions that provide optimal access to different components during assembly or maintenance operations. This dynamic repositioning capability maintains structural support while improving ease of operation by allowing access from multiple angles
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the yoke assembly from the stand through the universal adapter creates modular segments that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the yoke to be rotated and positioned to provide access to components without moving the entire support structure, improving operational ease
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A gas turbine engine yoke (20) includes an arcuate body (22) mountable to a stand (19A)and rotatable between an upright orientation and a horizontal orientation. The body (22) has an inner wall (24A) spaced apart from an outer wall (24B) and first and second side walls (26A, 26B) extending between the inner and outer walls (24A, 24B). A mounting plane of the yoke (20) extends through the inner and outer walls (24A, 24B) and is positioned between the first and second side walls (26A, 26B). Engine attachments (28) are spaced apart along the inner wall (24A) and lie in the mounting plane.