Adjustable Winch Links for Gas Turbine Engine Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mounting gas turbine engines on aircraft wings face challenges, particularly with core mounted engines where the pylon height is insufficient for traditional 'bootstrap' frameworks and ground-based lifting systems are large, expensive, and difficult to transport, leading to precision alignment issues between the engine and pylon.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing length-adjustable temporary links with winches to align and attach the gas turbine engine to the pylon, allowing for precise alignment and service attachment by adjusting the tension members to bring engine mounts into alignment with pylon mounts, and removable for service operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bootstrap framework is used for engine mounting, then the engine can be lifted into position, but the pylon height is insufficient for core mounted engines and the framework cannot be properly mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable temporary links with length adjustment mechanisms (such as telescopic sections or mechanical extenders) that allow the mounting system to adapt to varying pylon heights. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same system to work with both conventional and core-mounted engines regardless of pylon height limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary links incorporate parameter changes through length adjustment mechanisms that can extend or retract to match the specific pylon height and engine configuration. This allows the mounting system to accommodate different engine types and pylon heights by changing the effective length of the mounting links.
2Reliability
If a ground-based lifting system is used to lift the engine, then the engine can be positioned, but the system is very large, expensive and cannot be easily transported
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into segmented, modular components including temporary links that can be assembled and disassembled in sections. This segmentation allows the system to be broken down into transportable units that can be easily moved and stored, while still providing sufficient lifting capacity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary links are designed as multi-functional components that serve both as structural support elements and as the primary lifting mechanism. By integrating the lifting function into the mounting links themselves, the system eliminates the need for separate large ground-based lifting equipment, reducing overall system size and complexity.
3Reliability
If a ground-based lifting system is used, then the engine can be lifted, but the engine and pylon can move independently making precision alignment extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lifting function and the alignment function into a single integrated temporary link system. As the temporary links are adjusted to lift the engine into position, they simultaneously provide the mechanical connection needed for alignment, eliminating the independent movement problem that occurs with separate lifting and alignment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary links act as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between the engine and pylon during the mounting process. These intermediaries provide both the lifting force and the alignment reference, mediating the interaction between the two components to ensure precise alignment while maintaining lifting capability.
4Measurement precision
If temporary links with winches are used for alignment, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the system requires additional components for length adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary links incorporate dynamic length adjustment mechanisms such as winches, telescopic sections, or mechanical extenders that allow precise control of link length during alignment. This dynamic adjustability enables fine-tuning of the engine position to achieve precise alignment with the pylon mounting points.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is designed to be self-aligning through the inherent mechanical properties of the temporary links and their length adjustment mechanisms. The system uses its own structural elements and adjustment capabilities to achieve alignment without requiring external alignment equipment or complex additional components.
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
This method provides efficient and precise alignment of the engine with the pylon, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the installation process, while being compact and cost-effective compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
each comprise a respective winch operable to adjust pay out of a respective tension member thereby to provide length adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting a gas turbine engine to a pylon on a wing of an aircraft. At least one temporary forward link, being length-adjustable, and at least one temporary rearward link, being length-adjustable, are provided. These are for temporarily attaching the gas turbine engine to the pylon. The temporary forward link and the temporary rearward link each comprise a respective winch operable to adjust pay out of a respective tension member thereby to provide length adjustment. The temporary forward link and the temporary rearward link maintain a positional relationship between the gas turbine engine and the pylon in the absence of adjustment of the lengths of the temporary forward link and the temporary rearward link. Adjustment of the length of the temporary links brings engine mounts into alignment with pylon mounts for service attachment of the gas turbine engine to the pylon.