Annular Metal Connection Structure for Aircraft Turbine Engine Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of composite materials in aircraft turbomachine assemblies is hindered by the additional mass contributed by metal fixing flanges and bolts, which offsets the benefits of lightweight composite materials, especially when both parts require separate fixing flanges.
Innovation Solution
An annular metal connection structure is designed with primary and secondary branches forming U openings in one piece, eliminating the need for bolting and reducing overall mass, while allowing for the integration of composite material parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fixing flanges and bolts are used to connect composite material parts, then structural integrity is ensured, but the overall mass of the assembly increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection structure with the composite material part by integrating the metal fixing flange directly into the composite structure. The flange is formed as an integral part of the composite component during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate bolting operations and reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials for the main structural components to achieve weight reduction. By combining composite materials with strategically designed metal reinforcement elements embedded within the composite structure, the invention maintains strength while minimizing overall mass compared to traditional all-metal constructions
2Reliability
If two separate fixing flanges are provided for connecting two composite material parts, then both parts can be securely connected, but the mass problem is further accentuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated structure. Instead of providing two separate fixing flanges, the invention designs a single composite component with embedded reinforcement elements that perform the connection function for both parts, thereby reducing the total number of fastening elements and reducing overall assembly mass
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated composite structure with embedded metal reinforcement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables connection for both composite parts, and maintains aerodynamic continuity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated fixing flanges for each connection point
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a metal annular structure (50) for connecting two aircraft turbine engine parts, said structure having, within any half-section, two primary arms and a base (62), forming a first U (64) radially opening relative to a longitudinal axis (4), said structure moreover having two secondary arms forming, with one of the two primary arms, a longitudinally opening second U (68). According to the invention, the primary and secondary branches, as well as the base (62) of the first U, are created from a single part.