Thrust Reverser Guide Alignment for Stable Pylon Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of thrust reverser sections on aircraft pylons is ergonomically challenging and complex, requiring technicians to climb on the aircraft and rely on cranes for support, which can lead to shifting and swaying, increasing manufacturing complexity and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of guide systems that removably couple to aircraft structures, allowing for ergonomic alignment and support of thrust reverser sections without the need for technicians to climb on the aircraft, and eliminating crane dependency by using a brace system to stabilize the thrust reverser load during hinge pin installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If technicians climb on the aircraft and use cranes for support during thrust reverser installation, then the thrust reverser section can be installed, but the process becomes ergonomically challenging and complex with increased safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system acts as an intermediary device between the thrust reverser section and the pylon. It provides a structured alignment mechanism with alignment features that guide the relative positioning of components, eliminating the need for technicians to manually climb and align parts while reducing dependency on cranes for support.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system is installed on the pylon before the thrust reverser section is positioned. This preliminary installation establishes the alignment framework in advance, allowing the thrust reverser to be accurately positioned without requiring manual intervention or complex crane operations during the critical alignment phase.
2Ease of operation
If cranes are used to support the thrust reverser load during hinge pin installation, then the installation can proceed, but shifting and swaying occur that increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system serves as a stable intermediary structure that supports the thrust reverser section during installation. The guide members and alignment features provide a rigid framework that prevents shifting and swaying, eliminating the need for crane support while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-installing the guide system on the pylon, a stable support structure is established before the thrust reverser is positioned. This preliminary action creates a fixed reference framework that eliminates instability during the installation process, allowing hinge pin installation to proceed without crane dependency.
3Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used without guide systems, then simpler equipment is needed, but alignment precision between hinge components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system introduces a structured intermediary mechanism with alignment features that precisely define the relative positioning of hinge components. These alignment features provide geometric constraints that ensure accurate alignment without requiring complex measurement and adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system with its precision alignment features is installed in advance, establishing the accurate geometric relationship between pylon and thrust reverser hinge components before the actual assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures manufacturing precision is achieved through the guide's inherent geometry rather than manual adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Guide systems for installing aircraft structures such as a thrust reverser section to an engine pylon are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first guide system (304) structured to removably couple to a first aircraft structure such as a pylon (108) having a first hinge component (204). A second guide system (306) is structured to removably couple to a second aircraft structure such as a thrust reverser section (120) having a second hinge component (206). The first guide system (304) is to engage the second guide system (306) to enable alignment between the first hinge component (204) and the second hinge component (206) during assembly of the first aircraft structure (108) and the second aircraft structure (120).