Aircraft Engine Attachment with Coplanar Anchors for Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine attachment systems in aircrafts face complications in designing engines to withstand torsional and bending stresses due to the transfer of forces between the engine and the primary structure, which complicates the engine design and increases stress levels.
Innovation Solution
An engine attachment system with coplanar anchoring points on the engine, distributed in multiple transverse planes, reduces stresses by optimizing force transmission and simplifying the engine design, using symmetric connections and articulations to manage forces in three orthogonal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If anchoring points are distributed in multiple transverse planes offset in the longitudinal direction, then the engine attachment system can transmit forces between the engine and primary structure, but the engine must withstand increased torsional and bending stresses which complicates engine design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions all anchoring points (both on the engine and on the primary structure) within the same transverse plane, eliminating the longitudinal offset that previously created torsional and bending stresses. This dimensional alignment resolves the contradiction by maintaining force transmission capability while removing the harmful stress components that complicated engine design.
2Device complexity
If anchoring points are positioned in the same transverse plane, then torsional and bending stresses are reduced and engine design is simplified, but the force transmission path between engine and primary structure must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs articulations at specific locations (the connection points between connections and between connections and the engine/primary structure) that enable localized force redistribution. This allows the system to optimize force transmission paths without requiring complex engine design, as the articulations provide the necessary adaptability at critical junction points.
3Reliability
If multiple connections with articulations are used to manage forces in three orthogonal directions, then force distribution is optimized and performance is improved, but the number of components and attachment points increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each connection in the system serves multiple functions: it transmits forces in multiple directions, provides articulation for adaptive force distribution, and connects to both the engine and primary structure within the same transverse plane. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, optimizing reliability without proportionally increasing component count.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft including at least one engine attachment system, connecting an engine and a primary structure, which includes a central body and at least first right and left extensions positioned on either side of the central body in a first transverse plane, connected to the latter and stiffened by other right and left extensions and reinforcements. The engine attachment system includes at least three connections each including an anchoring point rigidly secured to the engine, the anchoring points of the various connections being located approximately in the same transverse plane. This solution makes it possible to reduce stresses in the engine, in particular torsional and/or bending stresses, produced as a result of the transfer of the forces between the engine and the primary structure.