Deformable Aircraft Engine Pylon Attachment for Aerodynamic Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft propulsion engines with upstream propellers, when mounted under the wing, experience detrimental acoustic issues due to airflow angles during upward trajectories, leading to increased drag and noise, and require improved aerodynamic flow and reduced acoustic impact.
Innovation Solution
A deformable pylon attachment system with a trapezoidal connecting mechanism allows the engine to adjust its position relative to the wing, reducing drag and acoustic impact by tilting during takeoff and climb phases, utilizing a deformable trapezoidal structure with a movement damper and optional actuator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the engine is mounted in suspension under the wing with a fixed pylon, then the engine position is stable and easy to manufacture, but the aerodynamic flow is deteriorated and acoustic impact is increased during upward trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon attachment system is designed with a deformable connecting means that allows dynamic adjustment of the engine position relative to the wing. The connecting means can deform to change the angle between the engine axis and the wing, enabling the engine to adapt its position based on flight conditions (climb vs. cruise), thereby reducing acoustic impact and drag during upward trajectory while maintaining stability during cruise flight.
2Reliability
If the engine is mounted with a fixed pylon attachment, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the aerodynamic flow around the engine is deteriorated during climb phase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates a deformable connecting means that changes the geometric configuration of the pylon-engine assembly based on flight phase. During climb, the connecting means deforms to optimize the engine's aerodynamic shape relative to the oncoming airflow, reducing adverse flow patterns. The system maintains reliability through controlled deformation within designed limits and includes damping mechanisms to prevent excessive movement.
3Manufacturing precision
If the engine position is fixed relative to the wing, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the drag of interaction with the wing is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon attachment system allows the engine to dynamically adjust its position and orientation relative to the wing through the deformable connecting means. This dynamic capability enables optimization of the engine-wing interaction geometry to minimize drag forces during different flight phases, while the manufacturing precision requirements are maintained within acceptable ranges through controlled deformation mechanisms and damping elements.
4Strength
If the engine is mounted with a rigid pylon, then the structural strength is sufficient and ease of operation is maintained, but the lift of the wing is reduced during takeoff
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon attachment system uses a deformable connecting means that allows the engine to tilt relative to the wing during takeoff and climb phases. This dynamic positioning increases the effective lift generated by the wing by optimizing the airflow interaction, while the pylon maintains sufficient structural strength through its designed deformation characteristics and damping mechanisms that control the movement within safe limits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system optimizes aerodynamic flow, reduces acoustic noise, and increases wing lift, thereby shortening the takeoff runway length and minimizing propeller interaction with the wing, while ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting means comprises a movement damper. Such a damper has the function of ensuring flexible and continuous deformation, smoothly, of the connecting means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for pylon attachment system (31) for mounting an engine (10) on the structure of an aircraft, in particular to the wings, comprising a first attachment means (31) which can be secured to the pylon and a second attachment means (32) which can be secured to the structure of the aircraft. The pylon is characterised in that it comprises a connection means (35) connecting the first and second attachment means, said connection means being arranged to allow the movement of the first attachment means in relation to the second attachment means between first and second positions. Figure pour l'abrégé : figure 1.