Aircraft Engine Junction Fairing Movable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing aircraft engine assembly experiences misalignment between the air intake and the cradle aerodynamic cowling due to engine deformation during stress conditions, leading to increased drag and performance deterioration.

Innovation Solution

The proposed aircraft engine assembly features a cradle with fan cowls that are movably mounted, secured either to the engine mounting structure or the fan case, and equipped with junction aerodynamic fairing having first and second mounting means. These mounting means ensure a flush junction between the air intake, cradle, and other aerodynamic cowling components, reducing misalignment and drag losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cradle aerodynamic cowling is fixedly mounted on the engine structure, then the structural support and stability are improved, but misalignment occurs between the air intake and cradle aerodynamic cowling during engine deformation, leading to increased drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed mounting system to a movable/adjustable mounting system. The cradle aerodynamic cowling is equipped with movable mounting means that allow it to adjust its position relative to the engine structure, enabling the system to adapt to engine deformation while maintaining aerodynamic alignment and reducing drag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the mounting parameters of the cradle aerodynamic cowling to vary in response to engine deformation. The movable mounting means enable changes in position and orientation parameters, ensuring that the aerodynamic cowling maintains proper alignment with the air intake despite changes in engine geometry under various operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the cradle is mounted on the rigid structure, then the load transmission capability is improved, but misalignment occurs between the cradle aerodynamic cowling and other aerodynamic cowling during engine deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transmissionVSAvoidaerodynamic alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the cradle aerodynamic cowling to move and adjust its position dynamically. The movable mounting means allow the aerodynamic cowling to compensate for relative position changes between the rigid structure and other aerodynamic components, maintaining proper aerodynamic alignment while the structure continues to transmit loads effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a movable mounting mechanism between the rigid structure and the cradle aerodynamic cowling. This intermediary system allows for relative movement and adjustment, decoupling the load transmission function of the rigid structure from the aerodynamic alignment requirement of the cowling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the cradle is mounted on the fan case, then the structural support is improved, but misalignment occurs between the cradle aerodynamic cowling and air intake during engine deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidaerodynamic alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by equipping the cradle aerodynamic cowling with movable mounting means that allow it to adjust its position relative to the fan case. This enables the aerodynamic cowling to maintain proper alignment with the air intake despite engine deformation, while the fan case continues to provide structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the mounting parameters of the cradle aerodynamic cowling to vary in response to engine deformation. The movable mounting means enable adjustments in position and orientation, ensuring that the aerodynamic alignment between the cowling and air intake is maintained despite changes in fan case geometry under various operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8162254B2Aircraft engine assembly comprising a junction aerodynamic fairing mounted on two separate elements

Publication Date: 2012.04.24 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

An aircraft engine assembly including an engine, an engine mounting structure, and a nacelle surrounding the engine and including an air intake and fan cowls. The assembly further includes a cradle supporting the fan cowls, fixedly mounted on the mounting structure or else on an entity including a fan case and the air intake attached to the case. The engine assembly further includes a junction aerodynamic fairing including a first mounting mechanism mounted on the cradle, and including a second mounting mechanism mounted on the other of the elements from among the mounting structure and the entity.