Aircraft Pylon Rear Cowling Hinge and Locking for Faster Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and disassembly operations of the rear cowling in aircraft masts are time-consuming due to the large number of connecting elements, leading to increased aircraft downtime.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft mast design featuring a movable downstream cowling with a hinge and locking system, allowing the cowling to transition between closed and open states, facilitated by a cylindrical rod and slide mechanism, and a locking system with a worm gear and hook mechanism for efficient access to rear wing attachment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rear cowling is made fixed and secured with multiple connecting elements, then the structural integrity and aerodynamic integrity are maintained, but the assembly and disassembly operations become time-consuming, increasing aircraft downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rear cowling into a movable one through the introduction of a hinge mechanism. The hinge allows the cowling to pivot between a closed position (maintaining aerodynamic integrity) and an open position (enabling quick access to rear equipment). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to adapt its state based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly and disassembly of multiple connecting elements while preserving structural integrity when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into two functional parts: a hinge mechanism for attachment/detachment and a locking system for securing. This segmentation allows the cowling to be quickly attached and secured independently, reducing the time required for assembly operations while maintaining reliability through the locking mechanism that ensures proper engagement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple connecting elements are used to secure the rear cowling, then the structural stability is ensured, but the number of assembly steps increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple connecting elements into a single integrated hinge mechanism. Instead of using multiple separate fasteners, bolts, or clips, the hinge consolidates the attachment function into one component that can be quickly engaged and secured. This merging maintains structural stability through the locking system while dramatically improving assembly speed by reducing the number of discrete assembly steps required.
3Ease of operation
If the rear cowling is made movable with a hinge and locking system, then quick access to mast equipment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the locking system to automatically engage and secure the cowling when closed, without requiring additional manual operations. The locking mechanism is integrated into the hinge assembly, so that the act of closing the cowling automatically triggers the locking action, ensuring both ease of operation and controlled complexity. The system serves itself by using the closing motion to activate the locking function, eliminating the need for separate locking steps.
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
This design reduces aircraft downtime by enabling quick access to mast equipment while maintaining aerodynamic integrity and minimizing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hinge connecting the downstream cowling and the structure and allowing the downstream cowling to occupy a closed state in which the downstream cowling is in contact with the wing and in line with the upstream fairing and an open state in which the downstream cowling is away from the wing
Implementation Method 2
at least one locking system configured to occupy a locked state in which the downstream cowling is held in the closed state and an unlocked state in which the downstream cowling can move from the closed state to the open state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft mast connecting a propulsion system and a wing (42), said mast comprising a fixed structure, an upstream fairing (44), and a downstream cowling (46) movable between a closed state in which it is in contact with the wing (42) and in line with the upstream fairing (44), and an open state in which the downstream cowling (46) is separated from the wing (42). In addition, the mast includes at least one locking system (58) configured to occupy a locked state in which the downstream cowling (46) is held closed and an unlocked state in which the downstream cowling (46) can move from the closed to the open state. This solution makes it possible to access a rear wing attachment system and, more generally, any equipment located at the rear of the mast, while limiting the aircraft's downtime.