Aircraft Pylon Mounting Using Temporary and Expandable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft pylon mounting configurations are either excessively bulky in the vertical direction or difficult to position due to inclined contact surfaces, complicating the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pre-positioning and aligning inclined contact surfaces, using temporary connection elements and radially expandable elements to secure the pylon to the wing, with a lifting system to facilitate alignment and installation of final connection elements and shear pins, simplifying the mounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If inclined contact surfaces are used to reduce vertical bulk, then vertical space is reduced, but positioning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method employs preliminary positioning actions where the pylon is temporarily secured to the wing using temporary connection elements before final attachment. This preliminary action allows adjustment and alignment of the inclined contact surfaces, making positioning feasible despite the complexity introduced by the inclined geometry. The temporary fixtures enable workers to establish correct alignment before committing to final attachment.
2Manufacturing precision
If temporary connection elements and expandable elements are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment process is segmented into distinct phases: temporary connection using removable elements, intermediate securing with expandable elements, and final permanent attachment. This segmentation allows each phase to address specific requirements - temporary elements enable positioning, expandable elements provide intermediate securing, and final elements ensure permanent attachment. The segmentation transforms a complex single-step process into manageable sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially expandable elements serve as intermediary components between the temporary connection elements and the final permanent attachment. These expandable elements provide an intermediate securing state that maintains positioning accuracy while allowing for final adjustments before permanent fixation. The shear pins act as intermediaries that facilitate the transition from temporary to permanent attachment.
3Strength
If multiple connection elements are used to secure pylon, then structural integrity is improved, but mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process employs periodic action through sequential attachment phases. Temporary connection elements are installed first to establish basic security, followed by intermediate securing with expandable elements, and finally permanent attachment with shear pins and final connection elements. This periodic approach allows systematic strengthening of the connection while maintaining productivity through organized sequencing of operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting an aircraft pylon connected to a wing includes: a step of pre-positioning first and second contact surfaces respectively provided on the wing and the pylon, a step of installing and tightening temporary connection elements, so as to keep the first and second contact surfaces clamped against one another, a step of installing and expanding at least one radially expandable element in at least one pair of first and second receptacles respectively provided on the wing and the pylon, a step of installing and tightening final connection elements connecting the pylon and the wing in the mounted state, a step of removing the radially expandable element(s) and the temporary connection elements, and of installing the remaining final connection elements and shear pin(s).