Thrust Reverser Cowl Rack for Upright Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of thrust reverser core cowl components is challenging due to their large size and weight, requiring technicians to work underneath while the cowl is horizontally positioned on the floor, which is hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rack system with a base, supporting frame, hinges, and cranes or a hydraulic pump is used to rotate the thrust reverser core cowl from a horizontal to a vertical position, allowing secure mounting and facilitating access to the inner wall components for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the core cowl is positioned horizontally on the floor for maintenance, then it is stable and easy to position, but technicians must work underneath it which is hazardous and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the core cowl from horizontal positioning to vertical positioning using a rack system. This dimensional change allows technicians to work on the inner wall components from the front rather than from underneath, eliminating the hazardous working position while maintaining stable support through the vertical rack structure with base and supporting frame
2Ease of operation
If the core cowl is positioned vertically using a rack system, then maintenance accessibility is improved and hazards are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into distinct functional segments: a base for stability, a supporting frame for vertical support, and a rotating mechanism with hinges for position transition. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system incorporates a rotating mechanism with hinges that enables dynamic transition between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic capability allows the core cowl to be repositioned as needed for different maintenance tasks, providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple static fixtures
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 safer and more efficient maintenance by allowing the core cowl to be positioned upright, reducing hazards and improving access for repair and inspection tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The base and the supporting frame may include a hinge at each location where the base and the supporting frame are coupled together
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for holding a portion of a thrust reverser. The rack may include a base and a supporting frame disposed perpendicularly with the base. The base and the supporting frame may include a hinge at each location where the base and the supporting frame are coupled together. The rack may also include two supporting poles parallel to the supporting frame. The two supporting poles may be designed such that the portion of the thrust reverser may be mounted onto the two supporting poles.