Nacelle Inlet Clip With Integrated Hoist Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft propulsion system interfaces between inlet structures and cowls lack efficient structural support and ease of assembly/disassembly, leading to potential operational and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a clip and hoist bracket within the inlet structure, along with a locator receptacle and protrusion system, provides a structural lift point and axial load path between the inlet structure and cowl, enabling easier assembly and disassembly, and is configured to pivot between closed and open positions for improved access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional inlet structure interfaces are used, then assembly and disassembly require complex procedures, but the structural support during assembly is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clip and hoist bracket into a single integrated component that is formed as one piece with the inlet structure. This merging of functions allows the same structure to provide both structural support (strength) and facilitate assembly/disassembly operations, resolving the contradiction between needing strong structural support and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated clip-hoist bracket assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during operation, serves as a lift point during assembly and disassembly, and maintains the interface between inlet structure and cowl. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both the strength requirement and the ease of operation requirement simultaneously.
2Strength
If separate clip and hoist bracket components are used, then assembly is more complex, but structural support is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clip and hoist bracket into a single integrated component formed as one piece with the inlet structure. This eliminates the need for separate components and their associated assembly steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining the structural support function that would require both components if used separately.
3Ease of operation
If the cowl remains in closed position during maintenance, then aerodynamic integrity is maintained, but access to internal components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cowl is designed to be movable between closed and open positions, allowing it to transition from a static aerodynamic shell to an accessible maintenance configuration. The locator protrusion and receptacle system maintains proper positioning in both states, enabling the system to dynamically adapt between maintaining aerodynamic integrity and providing maintenance access.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This aircraft propulsion system assembly includes a nacelle. The nacelle includes an inlet structure and a cowl. The inlet structure extends axially in a first direction along a centerline to an inlet structure aft end. The inlet structure includes a clip and a hoist bracket integrated with the clip. The clip is at the inlet structure aft end. The clip includes a locator receptacle. The hoist bracket is configured to provide a structural lift point for the inlet structure during assembly and/or disassembly of the nacelle. The cowl extends axially in a second direction along the centerline to a cowl forward end. The cowl includes a locator at the cowl forward end. The locator includes a protrusion received by the locator receptacle.