Portable Trailer Effluent Collection Unit for Aircraft Engine Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine washing equipment is not effectively collecting wash effluent from all aircraft variations, leading to potential environmental contamination and inefficiencies in engine washing operations.

Innovation Solution

A portable, self-contained trailer-based effluent collection unit with a versatile design, including droplet separator panels, extendable and retractable components, and a recycling system, which can be easily deployed and maneuvered to capture engine wash water effluent, preventing environmental discharge and improving logistics and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing collecting devices are used for engine washing, then the device can be transported and set up, but it is not collection effective on all aircraft variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different aircraft variationsVSAvoidcollection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting device incorporates movable and adjustable components including extendable arms, adjustable positioning mechanisms, and flexible positioning systems that can be dynamically configured to match different aircraft engine configurations and positions, enabling effective effluent collection across various aircraft types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting device is designed with universal features including adjustable positioning systems, extendable arms, and configurable collection chambers that can accommodate multiple aircraft types and engine configurations, making it a multi-functional device applicable to diverse aviation scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a portable trailer-based collection unit is used, then ease of transport and deployment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transport and deploymentVSAvoidstructural complexity of trailer system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting device is divided into modular segments including a trailer base, extendable arms, collection chambers, and positioning components that can be independently assembled, disassembled, and configured, reducing overall complexity while maintaining portability and functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting device utilizes nested structures where components such as arms, chambers, and positioning mechanisms can be stored within or attached to the trailer body when not in use, minimizing the footprint and simplifying transport while enabling complex functionality during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2237849B1Effluent collection unit for engine washing

Publication Date: 2015.11.04 UNITED TECH CORP

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AI summary

An effluent collection unit (10) for engine washing is formed by a portable trailer (12) having a plurality of sides (15, 18, 20) forming an internal compartment (30) and an effluent collection system (50) positioned within the internal compartment, which effluent collection device captures engine wash water effluent when the trailer is placed in an operational configuration.