Axisymmetric Propulsion Casing with Interchangeable Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft propulsion units with axisymmetric casings face challenges in accommodating components in varying positions, leading to non-identical casings and increased manufacturing costs, as existing solutions restrict the flexibility of component placement and require specific attachment systems for each position.

Innovation Solution

The use of axisymmetric casings with removable and interchangeable panels allows components to be positioned in multiple locations, using identical casings for both propulsion units by adjusting the placement of panels carrying the equipment, which can be mounted beside openings in the casing, facilitating flexible installation and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different casings are used for each propulsion unit to accommodate components in different positions, then component placement flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to multiple molds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent placement flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The casing is segmented into a main body and interchangeable panel modules. The panel carrying the component can be detached and repositioned to different openings on the casing, allowing the same casing to accommodate components in multiple positions without requiring different casing designs for each propulsion unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The casing is designed with multiple openings that can accept different panels, making it a universal structure capable of accommodating components in various positions. The same casing design can be used for both propulsion units on an aircraft, with panels configured according to specific installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If removable panels are used to accommodate components in different positions, then manufacturing cost is reduced by using identical casings, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The component assembly is segmented into a panel module that can be independently attached to the casing. This modular approach simplifies assembly by allowing the panel to be pre-assembled with the component and then mounted to the casing as a complete unit, rather than integrating the component directly into the casing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If components are integrated directly into the casing, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability for different component positions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcomponent position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The casing structure is segmented into a main body and detachable panel sections. The panel carrying the component can be removed and repositioned to different openings without compromising the structural integrity of the main casing body, as the connections are designed to maintain strength while allowing reconfigurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9981751B2Casing for a propulsion unit

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

An aircraft propulsion unit comprising an engine and a nacelle including an axisymmetric casing (16) delimiting an air flow path, wherein this casing has at least two openings closed by removable and interchangeable panels (18), at least one of these panels carrying one component (24) of the propulsion unit.