Patent Application
20090266275
The present invention relates to a shipping system providing a means for transporting an object, such as an aircraft engine. The invention further relates to a method for transporting an object, such as an aircraft engine.
In the aircraft industry, it is often necessary to transport objects, such as an aircraft engine, from one location to another. However, aircraft engines are generally very large and their size can restrict the available shipping options. For instance, many engines can be too large to fit through certain cargo doors, such as the door of a freighter aircraft. Consequently, there is a need for shipping systems that would permit the shipment of a large object, such as an aircraft engine, that would otherwise normally not be able to fit through a cargo door.
An embodiment for a shipping system for transporting an object is provided according to aspects of the invention. In an embodiment, a shipping system is provided that includes a frame assembly, a cradle assembly, and a mechanism for simultaneously rotating and translating the cradle assembly relative to the base of the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a base. The cradle assembly is connected to the frame assembly, and includes a forward member for securing a forward portion of the transported object (e.g., an aircraft engine) and an aft member of securing an aft portion of the object being transported.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
An embodiment of a shipping system (or “shipping assembly”) 10 is generally shown in
The frame assembly 20 includes one or more longitudinal frame members 22. In the illustrated embodiment, frame assembly 20 includes a pair of laterally-spaced longitudinal frame members 22. The longitudinal frame members 22 may be connected by one or more transverse support members 24. As illustrated, the longitudinal frame members 22 and the transverse support members 24 may be connected to form all or part of a base for the frame assembly 20. The frame assembly 20 may further include a hinge weldment 26 that is connected, directly or indirectly, to the base of the frame assembly 20 (for example, to one or more transverse support members 24). In embodiments of the invention, the hinge weldment 26—at least in part—supports a portion of the cradle assembly 30. As generally illustrated, hinge weldment 26 can be configured to receive a portion (e.g., shaft 32) of the cradle assembly so as to permit at least an aft (or comparatively more rearward) portion of the cradle assembly 30 to rotate or “rock” about an axis (e.g., the axis or centerline associated with shaft 32).
Further, the frame assembly 20 is configured so that hinge weldment 26 can move laterally between a pair of laterally-spaced longitudinal frame members 22. For example, without limitation, one or more roller shoes 27 may facilitate the movement of the weldment 26 along or about a path or track provided between laterally-spaced longitudinal frame members 22. Non-limiting examples of the lateral positioning of the hinge weldment 26 are generally shown in
Frame assembly 20 may additionally include a plurality of mounts, such as the illustrated caster mounts 28. The mounts, which may be configured in various alternate forms, can be used to mount or attach additional movement-facilitating members, such as casters or wheels (not shown), to facilitate or improve the movement of the shipping system 10 on various surfaces. Such movement-facilitating members may generally be attached, retracted, or removed, as may be necessary or desirable. Other conventional structures commonly included with frame assemblies, such as shock mounts, shock pads, steering bars, tow bars, and pneumatic wheel sets, may also be included with the frame assembly 20.
As illustrated, cradle assembly 30 may further include a forward securing member 34 and an aft securing member 36. As shown further in subsequent drawing figures, the forward member 34 may be configured to secure a forward portion of an aircraft engine, and the aft member 36 may be configured to secure an aft (i.e., a comparatively more rearward) portion of an aircraft engine.
The frame assembly 20 further includes a means for simultaneously rotating and translating a cradle assembly 30 relative to a base of a frame assembly. That is, the invention can, among other things, provide for the securing of a large object (e.g., an aircraft engine) having a centerline and the movement of such object in a manner that substantially maintains the centerline position while rotating the engine around a point that is not on the centerline by as much as 50° or more. Such controlled rotation can permit shipment of a large object that, but-for such controlled rotation, might be too large to fit through a “standard” or conventional cargo opening provided with various means for transportation (e.g., a freighter aircraft).
A general representation of an object for transport in connection with the system is provided. More specifically, an object comprising an engine E, is shown in
In an embodiment of the invention, the associated mechanism for simultaneously rotating and translating the cradle assembly 30 may comprise a plurality of rotational jacks 40,42 that are operatively coordinated or paired with other (e.g., horizontal) jacks. In accordance with teachings of the invention, the two sets of jacks may be configured (i.e., timed) to move at different rates to provide a desired movement (e.g., parabolic movement) of the cradle—and hence, a secured object such as engine E. As generally illustrated in the embodiments shown in
As generally illustrated in
In
An opposite side perspective view of a shipping assembly 10 and engine E shown in
For embodiments of the system, in an upright position the secured object may be level and can be sufficiently elevated to permit work, installation, maintenance, etc. As previously discussed and as generally illustrated, the object can then be “rolled”—for e.g., by 50 or more degrees—in a clockwise direction and lowered by as much as several feet to better permit shipment. Moreover, embodiments of the system permit the object to remain centered with respect to the base—which can be important for both transport and later installation.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
