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US 7,770,292 B2Granted
Engine core stand arrangement and method of removal and transportation of an engine core
AssigneeROLLS-ROYCE plc
InventorRichard G. Stretton
Life of this patent
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AssigneeROLLS-ROYCE plc
InventorRichard G. Stretton
Estimating the term…
Transportation of larger diameter gas turbine engines can be problematic. In such circumstances it is known to separate the fan assembly (30) from the engine core (1) and other parts to facilitate transportation. Separation of the fan assembly (30) and engine core (1) can require a gantry which adds to inconvenience and costs. By utilizing a platform (2, 44) with suspender members (43) in the form of boot straps (43) which extend down from an existing pylon (31) it is possible to remove an engine core (1) through a carriage dolly (3, 45) which moves along a rail (21 within the platform (2, 44) generally laterally until it is possible to lower the engine upon the platform to ground level. The platform (2, 44) and carriage dolly (3, 45) can then act as a stand for transportation of the engine core.
An engine core removal frame arrangement for a gas turbine engine, the arrangement comprising a dolly carrier to carry an engine core in use, a platform with a conveyor path for the dolly carrier and suspender members for securing the platform to an engine pylon in use, wherein the suspender members have spaced mounting positions and the conveyor path defines a translation range for the dolly carrier to ensure that, when an engine is secured to the carrier as a combination, the combination has a centre of gravity between a spacing between the mounting positions.
An arrangement as claimed in claim wherein 1 weights can be added to the platform in order to alter the centre of gravity of the combination of the engine in use secured upon the platform.
An engine stand for a gas turbine engine, the stand comprising a platform, the stand defining a conveyor path upon which a dolly carrier is secured by a lock, the dolly carrier including mountings for association with an engine core in use and the lock ensuring retention of carrier position relative to the platform upon the conveyor path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.