Thrust Reverser Cowl Rack for Vertical Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance on the inner wall components of a thrust reverser's core cowl is challenging due to its large size and weight, requiring technicians to work underneath it while it is horizontally positioned on the floor, which is hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rack system with a base and supporting frame, including hinges, lifting and balance hoists, and stabilizers, allows the core cowl to be rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position, enabling safer and more efficient access for maintenance by coupling the cowl to the rack using cranes or a hydraulic pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the core cowl is positioned horizontally on the floor for maintenance, then access to the inner wall components is possible, but the working conditions are hazardous and inefficient due to the need for technicians to work underneath while lying on their back
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system enables dynamic repositioning of the core cowl from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. The supporting frame with hinges and hoists allows the cowl to be rotated and stabilized in an upright position, transforming the maintenance environment from hazardous to safe while maintaining accessibility to inner wall components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the cowl from a horizontal arrangement (lying on the floor) to a vertical arrangement (standing upright). This dimensional change eliminates the need for technicians to work underneath the cowl while lying on their back, thereby removing the hazardous working conditions while preserving maintenance accessibility.
2Productivity
If the core cowl is positioned horizontally on the floor, then the large size and weight can be managed, but maintenance efficiency is reduced due to difficult working positions
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the core cowl to be rotated from horizontal to vertical orientation. This enables technicians to work in standing or sitting positions rather than lying on their back underneath the cowl, significantly improving maintenance efficiency and working conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system acts as an intermediary device between the technicians and the core cowl. It provides a mechanical interface with hinges, hoists, and supporting frames that enables safe manipulation and positioning of the heavy cowl, allowing technicians to perform maintenance tasks more efficiently without direct manual handling of the large, heavy component.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the core cowl is positioned vertically using the rack, then safer and more accurate maintenance is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to the rack system with hinges and hoists
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into modular components: a base, a supporting frame with hinges, and hoist mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively providing the safety benefits. The modular design also facilitates assembly and disassembly, mitigating the complexity issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system incorporates self-stabilizing features through its hinge mechanism and hoist arrangement. Once the core cowl is positioned vertically, the system maintains this position through its structural design, reducing the need for continuous external intervention and simplifying operation despite the inherent complexity of the supporting structure.
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
The rack system facilitates safer and more accurate maintenance by allowing the core cowl to be positioned upright, reducing hazards and improving access to the inner wall components, thus enhancing maintenance efficiency and safety.
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
Implementation Method 2
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
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.