Compact Engine Attachment With Standby Safety Link for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion systems with high-mounted engine attachments have a large height footprint, which affects the aerodynamic performance of aircraft by moving the secondary structure away from the engine, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system with a primary structure and engine attachment system that includes a crossbeam connected to the engine and wing via detachable links, featuring a first detachable connection with a transverse force transmission system and a standby safety link to ensure force transmission in the event of malfunction, optimizing the positioning of the secondary structure closer to the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional engine attachment system with crossbeam and multiple connecting elements is used, then the engine can be securely connected to the primary structure, but the height footprint increases and secondary structure is moved away from the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: transverse force transmission systems (with tenons and housings) for normal operation, and standby safety links (with forms and recesses) for emergency support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall height footprint while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration around the engine attachment point. The transverse force transmission systems and standby safety links are positioned to utilize space efficiently in multiple dimensions, minimizing the vertical height footprint while maintaining all necessary connection functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If connecting elements are positioned close to the engine to reduce height footprint, then aerodynamic performance improves, but the risk of force transmission failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Standby safety links with forms and recesses are pre-positioned in close proximity to the engine attachment point. These links remain inactive during normal operation but are ready to immediately engage and provide force transmission support if the primary transverse force transmission systems fail, providing beforehand cushioning against potential failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions between different operational states: during normal operation, the transverse force transmission systems carry all loads; upon failure detection, the standby safety links automatically engage to assume force transmission duties. This parameter change in load-bearing status allows compact positioning near the engine while maintaining reliability through state-dependent redundancy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a propulsion assembly comprising an engine and at least one engine attachment that connects the engine and a primary structure of a mast and includes a detachable link (62) connecting a crossbeam (60) and the primary structure. This detachable link (62) comprises a first contact surface (F62) integral with the crossbeam (60), a second contact surface (F62') integral with the primary structure, at least one connecting element (78) maintaining the first and second contact surfaces (F62, F62') pressed against each other, at least one transverse force transmission system (74) between the engine and the primary structure, and at least one standby safety link (80) separate from each connecting element (78) and configured to generate an additional force path only in the event of a malfunction of an element of the first detachable link (62).This solution allows for a compact, height-adjustable engine mount.