Rotating Cradle Shipping Frame for Jet Engine Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipping and installation systems for aircraft engines are complex, requiring multiple steps and crews to switch between truck and air transport modes, and often necessitate disassembly to fit through narrow openings, such as a Boeing 747 cargo door.
Innovation Solution
A shipping frame with a rotating cradle and supporting rollers, driven by manual screw jacks, allows for smooth and secure horizontal and vertical movement of the engine between transport modes without external equipment, enabling it to fit through small openings without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shipping frame is designed to fit through narrow openings for air transport, then it can be loaded onto aircraft, but it requires complex repositioning operations and multiple support frames for truck transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both air transport and truck transport modes. The frame includes adjustable components and multiple positioning mechanisms that allow it to function effectively in both shipping configurations, eliminating the need for separate specialized frames for each transport mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements including movable support legs, repositionable cradle sections, and adjustable positioning mechanisms. These dynamic components allow the frame to be reconfigured between air and truck transport modes without requiring disassembly or multiple different frames, reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the engine is rotated and repositioned to fit through narrow openings, then it can be loaded onto aircraft, but it requires multiple steps and increases the risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame acts as an intermediary device that facilitates safe repositioning of the engine. It includes protected pathways, guided movement mechanisms, and cushioning elements that allow the engine to be moved and rotated through narrow openings without direct exposure to damage risks. The frame provides a controlled environment for the repositioning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame incorporates cushioning elements and protective features in advance of the repositioning operation. These include padded support surfaces, protective coverings for delicate engine components, and cushioning mechanisms that absorb shocks and vibrations during the rotation and movement process, preventing damage before it can occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support frames are used for truck and air transport, then each mode can be optimized, but it increases handling time and requires multiple crews
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal support frame design serves both truck and air transport optimization needs. The frame includes adjustable components that can be configured for each transport mode, eliminating the need to switch between multiple specialized frames and reducing the time required for mode changes while maintaining optimized support for each specific transport requirement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the shipping frame requires disassembly to fit through openings, then it can pass through narrow doors, but it increases complexity and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame employs dynamic, adjustable components including telescopic legs, movable sections, and repositionable elements that allow the frame to adapt its dimensions and configuration. This enables the frame to pass through standard cargo doors without requiring disassembly, while maintaining structural integrity and support functionality. The dynamic components allow the frame to expand or contract as needed for different opening sizes.
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
Simplifies engine transport and installation by allowing single-frame operation for both truck and air transport, reducing the need for multiple support frames and minimizing handling, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime in the aviation industry.
Implementation Method 1
The movement needed to compact the size for air transport mode requires the use of four screw jacks
Implementation Method 2
screw jacks and supporting rollers mounted on a base frame
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention comprises screw jacks and supporting rollers mounted on a base frame. A rotating cradle with rolling plates are attached to the engine. The rolling plates are set on the support rollers and the rotating cradle is rotated by the manually operated screw jacks. The curvature and position of the rolling plates are carefully chosen to provide the needed rotation and horizontal/vertical movement of the engine, so as to fit within a small transport doorway.Additionally, important features are included that secure the cradle from rotating when transporting, secure the cradle to the support rollers for safe movement, and provides a simplified horizontal and vertical movement.