Aircraft Exhaust Alignment System Using Tapered Shims
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing aircraft exhaust systems often result in unintended stress and preloading due to variations in aircraft structure and semi-rigid support, leading to premature failure of components.
Innovation Solution
An alignment system using tapered shims and washers is introduced to accommodate gaps between exhaust brackets and the aircraft frame, distributing load and securing the exhaust duct without forceful installation, comprising convex and concave washers between or on the exhaust brackets and shims to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional forceful installation methods are used to secure exhaust brackets to the aircraft frame, then the exhaust system can be attached, but stress and preloading are created leading to premature component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tapered shims as intermediary elements between the exhaust brackets and the aircraft frame. These shims accommodate gaps and misalignments that occur during installation, allowing the brackets to be secured without forceful installation. The shims act as a mediator that absorbs the dimensional variations and prevents direct stress transmission to the exhaust components, thereby improving reliability while reducing stress and preloading.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exhaust brackets are secured to accommodate structural variations, then installation flexibility is improved, but gaps and misalignment occur between brackets and frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tapered shims with varying thicknesses and angles to accommodate different gap sizes and misalignment degrees. By changing the geometric parameters of the shims (thickness, taper angle), the system can adapt to various structural variations in the aircraft frame. This allows installation flexibility to be improved while maintaining alignment precision, as the appropriate shim can be selected or combination of shims can be used to achieve proper bracket alignment.
3Reliability
If tapered shims and washers are used to accommodate gaps, then stress and preloading are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into distinct functional components: tapered shims for gap accommodation, convex washers for load distribution, and concave washers for bracket protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining simplicity in individual part design. The modular nature of these components makes them easy to install, remove, and replace, reducing the overall system complexity despite the multiple parts involved.
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust system for an aircraft includes an exhaust duct configured to be inserted within a plurality of leaf springs of an aircraft. The exhaust duct is configured to be in fluid communication with the auxiliary power unit for conveying exhaust from the auxiliary power unit to an exhaust exit, the exhaust duct including at least one exhaust bracket for movably mounting the exhaust duct to an airframe. An alignment system is configured to be operatively connected to the exhaust duct.