Engine Cowl and Inlet Cover
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsRick Earl Sparks, Shelby T. Dobbs
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for covering an end of a housing for an engine. A cover is positioned relative to the end of the housing for the engine. The cover comprises a structure, a flange comprised of a deformable material extending from the structure around a circumference of the structure, and a retaining feature configured to extend from a middle portion of the structure such that the retaining feature and the flange form a channel configured to receive the end of the housing. The cover is moved in a direction towards the end of the housing for the engine such that the retaining feature extends into an inlet of the engine through an opening of the housing to form an interference fit between the retaining feature and a portion of an interior surface of the housing.
Claims20
A manufacture comprising:
- a secondary retention system for a cover configured to cover, such that in operation the cover covers, an opening of a housing for an engine, the secondary retention system comprising a Darkscrew comprising a manual operation feature connected to a sealing feature connected to a capture feature connected to a contingent retraction feature connected to an engagement feature configured to connect, such that in operation the engagement feature connects, to the engine housing.
A process of providing a secondary retention feature for a cover for an engine, the process comprising:
- positioning a cover relative to the end of the housing for the engine, such that the cover comprises:
- a structure, a flange comprised of a deformable material extending from the structure around a circumference of the structure, and a retaining feature configured to extend from a middle portion of the structure such that the retaining feature and the flange form a channel configured to receive, such that in operation the channel receives, an end of a housing of the engine;
- engaging a Darkscrew in an opening, the panel comprising the opening;
- and
- engaging the Darkscrew with an engagement feature of a hoist receptacle in the housing, the engine comprising the housing.
A process of reducing at least one of:
- a material, a weight, a size, and a cost, of a cover for a housing for an engine, the cover comprising a retaining feature, via providing a secondary retention system comprising a panel connected to a flange of the cover, and a Darkscrew comprising a manual operation feature connected to a sealing feature connected to a capture feature connected to a contingent retraction feature connected to an engagement feature configured to connect, such that in operation the engagement feature connects, to the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.