Jet Engine Pylon Front Attachment Layout for Lower Drag and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion assemblies are bulky, leading to increased weight and reduced aerodynamic efficiency due to the size and structure of the fastening elements between the jet engine and the wing.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion assembly with a pylon and attachment device featuring reduced size attachments, including a front engine attachment between the central casing and fan casing, and a complementary front engine attachment between the upper spar and fan casing, with isostatic load transfer and fail-safe articulations to optimize space and aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid attachment structures are used between the jet engine and pylon, then structural strength and reliability are ensured, but the attachment size increases leading to increased weight and reduced aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple independent articulation points (first articulation point on front wall, second articulation point on upper spar, third articulation point on central casing, fourth articulation point on fan casing) that work together to transfer loads. This segmentation allows each articulation point to be optimized for specific load paths while reducing overall attachment size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a complementary front engine attachment that connects to the upper spar (a forward-extending element creating a spatial dimension), in addition to the traditional front wall connection. This adds a dimensional aspect to the load transfer path, distributing forces more efficiently and reducing the size requirements of individual attachment components.
2Reliability
If traditional rigid attachment structures are used between the jet engine and pylon, then structural reliability is ensured, but aerodynamic efficiency is reduced due to increased attachment size
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the attachment into multiple articulation points distributed across different structural elements (front wall, upper spar, central casing, fan casing), the invention reduces the concentrated size of any single attachment component. This enables better aerodynamic fairing around the nacelle, reducing drag while maintaining reliability through the distributed articulation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The complementary attachment to the upper spar extends the load transfer path into a forward dimension, allowing the attachment structure to be more streamlined and integrated with the nacelle fairing. This reduces aerodynamic interference and drag compared to traditional bulky rearward extensions.
3Reliability
If multiple articulation points are used for load transfer, then load distribution and fail-safe capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into distinct articulation points that can be designed and manufactured as separate modular components. Each articulation point handles specific load paths, and the modular nature simplifies assembly, maintenance, and replacement while providing inherent fail-safe capability through redundant load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation points are designed with universal characteristics, using similar articulation mechanisms (pivots, hinges, or pinned connections) that can accommodate various load types (tension, compression, shear, moment). This multi-functionality reduces overall complexity by using standardized connection approaches throughout the attachment system.
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion assembly for an aircraft, the propulsion assembly having a jet engine having a fan casing and a central casing around a longitudinal axis and having a vertical median plane passing through the longitudinal axis, an attachment pylon having a rigid structure that takes the form of a box that has a front wall and an upper spar extending forwardly in respect to the front wall, a front engine attachment fixed between an upper area of the central casing and a lower end of the front wall, and a complementary front engine attachment fixed between an upper area of the fan casing and a front end of the upper spar.