Engine Wing Assembly Lift Force Weight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing weight of aircraft engines due to performance improvement programs leads to higher fuel burn penalties and ripple effects on aircraft performance, as existing configurations do not effectively distribute the engine weight efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an engine wing assembly that extends outward from the engine, providing a lift force to support a portion of the engine weight, thereby reducing the airframe lift requirement and fuel burn penalty, and is transitionable between lift and brake force positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If engine weight is increased to improve engine performance, then engine performance is improved, but fuel burn penalty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine wing assembly acts as a counterweight mechanism by generating lift force to support a portion of the engine's own weight. This reduces the net weight that the airframe must support, thereby reducing the fuel burn penalty associated with increased engine weight for performance improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine wing assembly enables the engine to partially support its own weight through generated lift force. This self-service mechanism reduces the burden on the airframe and minimizes the energy penalty, allowing the engine to contribute to its own weight support rather than being entirely a passive load.
2Power
If engine weight is increased to improve engine performance, then engine performance is improved, but aircraft performance degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine wing assembly generates lift force to counterbalance the increased engine weight, preventing the expected degradation in aircraft performance. By distributing the weight support between the engine wing assembly and the airframe, the overall aircraft performance is maintained despite heavier engines.
3Force
If engine weight is distributed on the airframe, then engine weight is supported, but fuel burn penalty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine wing assembly acts as an anti-weight mechanism by generating aerodynamic lift force to support a portion of the engine weight. This reduces the weight burden on the airframe and minimizes the associated fuel burn penalty, creating a more efficient weight distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from purely structural weight support in the vertical dimension to aerodynamic weight support by adding the engine wing assembly that operates in the aerodynamic dimension. This allows weight support through lift generation rather than solely through airframe structural support, reducing the fuel burn penalty.
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 allows the engine to partially bear its own weight, reducing fuel consumption and performance degradation associated with increased engine weight, while also providing a brake force during landing.
Implementation Method 1
providing a lift force to support a portion of the engine weight
Implementation Method 2
transitionable between a first position in which the first engine wing assembly provides a lift force and a second position in which the first engine wing assembly provides a brake force
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft defining a longitudinal centerline and extending between a forward end and an aft end is provided. The aircraft includes a fuselage extending longitudinally between the forward end of the aircraft and the aft end of the aircraft; a primary wing assembly extending laterally outwardly with respect to the longitudinal centerline from a portion of the fuselage; a first engine mounted to the primary wing assembly; and a first engine wing assembly extending outward from the first engine.