Aircraft Engine Mounting Device With Dual Thrust Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine mounting devices are disadvantaged by increased mass and space requirements due to doubling of parts for 'Fail Safe' functionality, and lack full dissociation between normal operation and failure load paths.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with two lateral thrust load recovery rods, each with a first mechanical connection to a crossbar and a second mechanical connection with play, allowing load transfer via the second connection only in failure mode, eliminating the need for doubled parts and ensuring load path dissociation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If doubled parts (crossbar, connection axis) are used to ensure Fail Safe function, then reliability is improved, but mass and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load transfer function into two distinct mechanical connections: a first connection for normal operation and a second connection for failure mode. This segmentation allows each connection to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for doubled parts while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces play (clearance) in the second mechanical connection, making it inactive during normal operation and only engaging when the first connection fails. This dynamic behavior allows the system to transition from a static doubled structure to a dynamic single-structure solution, reducing mass while preserving Fail Safe functionality.
2Reliability
If doubled parts are used for Fail Safe function, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the normal operation function and failure recovery function into a single integrated structure with two mechanical connections. This eliminates the need for separate doubled parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining the Fail Safe function.
Solution Approach 2:
The play (clearance) in the second mechanical connection acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically activates only when the first connection fails. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex control systems or doubled components.
3Force
If traditional crossbar with connection axis is used, then load transfer is achieved, but normal operation and failure load paths are not fully dissociated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the play (clearance) in the second mechanical connection to dynamically control load path activation. During normal operation, the second connection remains inactive due to the play, while in failure mode, the play is taken up and the second connection becomes active. This dynamic mechanism fully dissociates the normal and failure load paths without requiring complex design.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for an aircraft engine includes a rigid structure and a device for mounting the engine on the rigid structure, the mounting device including a thrust load recovery device with two lateral thrust load recovery rods each having a rear end mounted on a crossbar of the recovery device with a first mechanical connection. At the rear end of each of the two rods, there is also provided a second mechanical connection with play between the rear end and a support fitting integral with the rigid structure. The first mechanical connection is implemented using a pin provided on the crossbar, passing through an orifice provided in the rear end of the rod.