Aircraft Wing-Pylon Spigot Connection for Large-Diameter Engine Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine mounting pylons for large diameter engines require a significant vertical spacing from the wing, leading to unsuitable clearance issues and increased torsional loads on the wing structure.
Innovation Solution
The connection between the engine mounting pylon and wing utilizes a spigot for lateral load transfer and fasteners for vertical load transfer, minimizing the vertical height and reducing torsional loads, with optional failsafe mechanisms to ensure load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional couplings are used to attach the engine mounting pylon to the wing, then the connection allows freedom of movement and transmits forces, but the top surface of the pylon must be spaced vertically from the lower surface of the wing box, which is unsuitable for very large diameter engines
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into two distinct functional components: a spigot that transfers lateral loads and fasteners that transfer vertical loads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific load type, enabling the pylon to be positioned much closer to the wing while maintaining structural integrity and accommodating large diameter engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional coupling design that requires vertical spacing to a spigot-and-fastener design that eliminates the need for vertical clearance. By using a spigot that fits into a recess in the wing box, the connection moves from a spaced arrangement to a closely-integrated arrangement, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension more efficiently.
2Device complexity
If conventional couplings with vertical spacing are used, then the connection structure is simpler, but the wing requires additional reinforcement to handle increased torsional loads
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the load transfer functions into lateral load transfer (via spigot) and vertical load transfer (via fasteners), the connection structure achieves both simplicity and effectiveness. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex reinforced wing structures while maintaining the ability to handle all load types, thereby reducing wing reinforcement requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pylon is positioned closer to the wing to accommodate large diameter engines, then engine clearance is improved, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure uses segmentation to achieve both close coupling and simplicity: the spigot handles lateral loads with a simple fit-and-lock mechanism, while fasteners handle vertical loads independently. This segmentation allows the pylon to be positioned close to the wing for engine clearance without requiring a complex integrated connection structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft assembly is disclosed having a wing and an engine mounting pylon. An aft end of the engine mounting pylon is connected to the wing by a spigot and at least one fastener. The aircraft assembly is configured such that, during operation of the aircraft assembly on an aircraft, the spigot transfers only lateral load between the engine mounting pylon and the wing and the at least one fastener transfers only vertical load between the engine mounting pylon and the wing.