Aircraft Front Engine Attachment Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft front engine attachments face challenges in load distribution due to high weight of double flux engines, leading to significant loads that existing designs struggle to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A front engine attachment system comprising a base, articulated fixtures, connecting rods, and cylindrical noses with ball couplings, distributing loads across multiple articulations and using a cradle with threaded second connecting rods to enhance load distribution and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional front engine attachment with two connecting rods is used, then the structure is simple, but the load distribution is insufficient due to high engine weight
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into two distinct attachments (first and second attachments), each with its own connecting rods and articulation points. This segmentation allows the total load to be distributed across multiple separate load paths, with the first attachment handling certain load components and the second attachment handling others, thereby improving overall load distribution capability without requiring a single overly complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The second attachment introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning its connecting rods in a plane at right angles to the longitudinal engine axis, while the first attachment operates in a different plane. This dimensional separation creates orthogonal load distribution paths, allowing forces to be distributed across three-dimensional space rather than being confined to a single plane, thus improving load management
2Strength
If the number of articulations is increased to improve load distribution, then the load management improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulations are segmented into two distinct sets: two articulations for the first connecting rods and two articulations for the second connecting rods. Each set of articulations is optimized for specific load components, with the first set handling loads in one orientation and the second set handling loads in the orthogonal orientation, thereby distributing the complexity across functional segments rather than concentrating it in a single complex joint system
Solution Approach 2:
Each attachment system serves multiple functions: the first attachment provides primary structural support and load bearing, while the second attachment provides orthogonal support and additional load distribution. Both attachments work simultaneously to manage different components of the engine weight load, making the overall system multi-functional in handling various force vectors
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
The proposed system effectively distributes forces across a greater number of articulations, improving load management and reducing stress on the engine attachment points, thereby enhancing structural integrity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the first cylindrical nose is fixed in the orifice via a ball coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A front engine attachment, intended to fix an engine to a structure of an aircraft, includes a first attachment including a base intended to be fixed to the structure, a first fixture articulated on the base, two first connecting rods, each being articulated by a first end to the engine and by a second end to the fixture, and a first cylindrical nose mounted on the base. The front engine attachment includes a second attachment including a cradle including an orifice into which the cylindrical nose is fitted, and a second cylindrical nose being threaded into a piercing of the engine, and two second connecting rods, each being intended to be articulated by a first end to the engine, and by a second end to the cradle.