Compact Wing Fitting Design for Aircraft Pylon Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing diameter of turbofan engines poses a challenge in designing attachment pylons and wing fittings that can efficiently transfer high loads while maintaining aerodynamic performance and ground clearance, as existing solutions require bulky structures to withstand loads, limiting space for other systems in the leading edge region.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two lateral front fittings with a single wing connector extending over the entire height of the front wing spar, featuring articulation pins and a trapezoidal shape, which reduces bulk and allows for efficient load transfer, enabling the installation of additional systems in the leading edge region by distributing load securely across a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fittings are dimensioned with sufficient size to withstand high loads from large-diameter engines, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the bulk of the fittings increases, limiting space in the leading edge region
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into multiple components: a first component attached to the wing box and a second component attached to the pylon box, connected by articulation pins. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall bulk while maintaining load-bearing capacity through distributed stress paths
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation pins are oriented substantially orthogonally to the plane of the front wing spar, introducing a new dimensional orientation for load transfer. This orthogonal arrangement creates efficient three-dimensional stress distribution, allowing compact fitting design that withstands high loads without increasing leading edge region bulk
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine diameter is increased to achieve high bypass ratio, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but the vertical space between wing and engine decreases, making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation pins enable the fitting components to rotate and adapt to varying load directions and spatial constraints. This dynamic capability allows the fitting to accommodate the reduced vertical space while maintaining proper load transfer, making installation feasible despite the increased engine diameter
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting articulation pins orthogonally to the wing spar plane, the design utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness direction) for load transfer rather than relying solely on vertical space. This dimensional shift enables compact fitting configuration that fits within the limited vertical envelope while supporting larger engines
3Length of moving object
If fittings are placed in the leading edge region to maintain ground clearance, then ground clearance is improved, but the bulk of fittings reduces available space for other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented fitting design with articulation pins creates a compact configuration that minimizes the longitudinal extent of the fitting in the leading edge region. This segmentation allows the fitting to maintain structural integrity while occupying less space, preserving volume for other systems
Solution Approach 2:
The orthogonal orientation of articulation pins shifts the primary load transfer path into the depth dimension rather than the longitudinal dimension. This reduces the fitting's footprint in the leading edge region, freeing up longitudinal space for systems while maintaining adequate ground clearance
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft comprises a wing, an engine attachment pylon comprising a primary structure and an arrangement for securing the primary structure to a wing box. This arrangement comprises two lateral front fittings, each of these fittings comprising a first connecting portion secured to the front wing spar, a second connecting portion secured to the primary structure, at least one securing member articulated to each of the first and second connecting portions. Furthermore, the first connecting portions of the two fittings are made in one piece in a single wing connector extending over essentially the entire height of the front wing spar.