Aircraft Engine Mount Wedge Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine attachment devices require bulky and massive traction bolts that are difficult to tighten by a single operator and result in relative slippage of connecting plates, leading to contact wear during take-off and landing.
Innovation Solution
The use of wedge-effect clamping wedges and corresponding bearing surfaces that apply a clamping force perpendicular to the contact plane between connecting plates, eliminating the need for traction bolts and reducing assembly torque requirements while preventing relative sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traction bolts are used to fix connecting plates, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the device becomes bulky and requires high tightening torque that is difficult to implement by a single operator
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the fastening mechanism from threaded bolts to wedge-shaped clamps that utilize friction and geometric locking. The wedge shape converts lateral insertion force into clamping force, eliminating the need for high-torque tightening operations while maintaining strong connections between connecting plates
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the threading mechanism entirely from the fastening system, replacing it with smooth wedge-shaped clamps that rely on friction and geometric interlocking rather than threaded engagement. This removal of threads simplifies the operation while preserving connection strength
2Ease of manufacture
If centering pins with mounting clearance are used, then the assembly is easy to align, but relative slippage of plates occurs causing contact wear during take-off and landing
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped clamps act as intermediary elements between the centering pins and the connecting plates. They fill the gap created by mounting clearance and provide continuous friction-based contact that prevents slippage during operational vibrations, while still allowing initial alignment through the centering pins
3Strength
If massive traction bolts are used, then the connection is secure, but the mass and volume of the attachment device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes from bulky threaded bolts to compact wedge-shaped clamps with friction surfaces. This parameter change in the fastening mechanism dramatically reduces the mass and volume required to achieve secure connections, while the friction-based locking provides equivalent or superior connection security
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
This solution reduces mass and volume, simplifies assembly, minimizes contact wear, and provides secure attachment without the need for high tightening torque, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
said clamping means comprise at least one wedge effect clamping wedge as well as respective corresponding bearing surfaces of said connecting plates which are shaped so that when said clamping wedge is applied jointly against said surfaces support in a direction parallel to the plane of the contact surface between these two connecting plates, this clamping wedge exerts by wedge effect a clamping force of these plates against each other in a direction perpendicular to said plane
Implementation Method 2
the traction bolts 22 do not allow sufficient friction between the connecting plates 12, 16 to prevent relative slippage of the plates
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Aircraft engine mounting device (34), comprising a rigid structure (38), an engine mount (40) comprising a connecting plate (74) superimposed on an associated connecting plate (76) of said rigid structure (38), and means for mutually clamping said plates (74, 76) comprising at least one wedge-effect clamping wedge (78) and corresponding bearing surfaces (94, 96) of said plates (74, 76) which are shaped so that when each clamping wedge (78) is applied against said bearing surfaces (94, 96) in a direction parallel to the plane (P) of the contact surface (98) between these two plates (74, 76), this wedge (78) exerts by wedge effect a clamping force on these plates against each other in a direction perpendicular to said plane (P).