Aircraft Engine Mount Shackles for Mass Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine mounting systems are heavy and inefficient in transferring loads between the engine and the primary structure of the mounting pylon, requiring complex and mass-intensive constructions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a set of rear engine attachments with specifically oriented shackles that directly transfer loads to the side panels of the box-shaped primary structure, eliminating the need for vertical stacking of transverse beams and reducing overall mass, while incorporating a safety shackle system for fail-safe load transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid mounting means with stacked beams are used, then structural strength is ensured, but the overall mass of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the rear engine attachment into separate functional components: vertical shackles (first and second shackles) for vertical load transmission and an inclined shackle (third shackle) for thrust load transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for heavy stacked beam structures while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces rigid fixed connections with hinged shackles that can dynamically adapt to load directions. The shackles are articulated with pivots, allowing them to rotate and adjust their orientation based on the applied forces, providing both strength and flexibility while reducing material requirements.
2Force
If complex rigid structures with multiple beams are used, then load transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmission function is segmented across three specialized shackles rather than one complex rigid structure. Each shackle handles specific load components (vertical or inclined), simplifying the design of individual parts while collectively providing comprehensive load transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces spatial orientation as a key dimension for load management. By arranging shackles at different angles (vertical and inclined) and positioning them at different locations, the system transmits loads through three-dimensional space efficiently, avoiding the need for complex multi-beam rigid structures.
3Force
If vertical stacking of transverse beams is used, then load distribution is achieved, but the overall mass of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of vertical stacking in one dimension, the invention distributes loads across multiple spatial dimensions by using shackles oriented in different directions (vertical and inclined) and positioned at different locations. This spatial distribution achieves load balance without requiring additional vertical layers of beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged shackles dynamically distribute loads based on their orientation and the applied forces. The articulated connections allow automatic load path optimization, directing forces along the most efficient paths through the structure without requiring heavy reinforcing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft engine assembly including a set of rear engine attachments comprising a first shackle hinged on a bracket secured to the engine and on a bracket made as one piece with one of the two side panels, the shackle being oriented along a vertical direction, a second shackle hinged on a bracket secured to the engine and on a bracket made as one piece with the other one of the two side panels, the second shackle being oriented along the vertical direction, and a third shackle for transversally transmitting loads, inclined relative to the vertical direction and hinged on a bracket secured to the engine and on a bracket secured to the primary structure.