Compact Engine Attachment With Fail-Safe Beam Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propulsion assemblies with a transverse beam and removable connections result in a large bulk in terms of height, affecting the aerodynamic performance of aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A propulsion assembly with a first removable connection and a waiting fail-safe connection that allows independent optimization of connection elements, reducing vertical bulk and enabling closer proximity of the secondary structure to the engine, utilizing a transverse beam with spigots and housings, and a waiting fail-safe connection with trapezoidal contours for force transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transverse beam with removable connection and connection elements is used to connect the engine and primary structure, then the connection reliability is improved, but the vertical bulk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidvertical bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: connection elements for primary load bearing and waiting fail-safe connections for backup. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall vertical bulk while maintaining reliability through the distributed connection architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waiting fail-safe connections are positioned in the vertical dimension with spaced-apart first and second shapes, creating a compact vertical profile. The trapezoidal contours are oriented with bases parallel to the vertical direction, allowing force transmission in a compact vertical arrangement that reduces bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the secondary structure is positioned farther from the engine to accommodate connection bulk, then the connection stability is improved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system segments stability functions across multiple elements: primary connection elements for normal operation and waiting fail-safe connections for backup stability. This allows the secondary structure to be positioned closer to the engine while maintaining stability through the distributed connection architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trapezoidal contours with specific geometric parameters (bases parallel to vertical direction, spaced-apart shapes) enable force transmission with reduced vertical dimension. This parameter optimization allows closer positioning of the secondary structure without compromising connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If connection elements are integrated with the transverse beam structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidconnection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into separate functional components: connection elements for assembly and waiting fail-safe connections for backup. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure while distributing precision requirements across multiple standardized components, making manufacturing more feasible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waiting fail-safe connections are pre-configured with spaced-apart shapes that provide inherent alignment and positioning features. The trapezoidal contours with parallel bases to the vertical direction provide built-in geometric constraints that facilitate precise assembly without requiring excessive manufacturing tolerance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20260077872A1Propulsion assembly comprising an engine attachment that is compact in terms of height, aircraft comprising at least one such propulsion assembly

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A propulsion assembly having an engine and an engine attachment which connects the engine and a primary structure of a pylon and which comprises a removable connection connecting a transverse beam and the primary structure. This removable connection has a first contact surface integral with the transverse beam, a second contact surface integral with the primary structure, at least one connection element keeping the first and second contact surfaces pressed against one another, at least one system for transmission of transverse forces between the engine and the primary structure and at least one waiting fail-safe connection distinct from each connection element and configured to generate an additional path for forces only in the event of malfunction of an element of the first removable connection.