Jet Engine Pylon Attachments for Compact Thrust Transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft propulsion assemblies are bulky, leading to weight and aerodynamic inefficiencies due to the size and structure of the fastening elements between the jet engine and the pylon.

Innovation Solution

A propulsion assembly design featuring a pylon with a box-like rigid structure, reduced size attachments, and articulated rods and levers that distribute thrust forces more efficiently, including a main rod between the upper spar and front wall, and complementary attachments that react lateral and vertical loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional fastening elements are used to attach the jet engine to the pylon, then the structural strength and reliability are ensured, but the attachment size increases leading to weight increase and aerodynamic inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidattachment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into multiple discrete components: front engine attachment, rear engine attachment, and thrust force reaction device. Each component is optimized independently to minimize weight while maintaining required strength. The segmentation allows for precise load path definition and optimized material distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment elements are configured in three-dimensional space to optimize load distribution. The rods and spreaders are arranged to create efficient force triangles and load paths that reduce the overall attachment envelope size while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional fastening elements are used to attach the jet engine to the pylon, then the structural reliability is ensured, but the attachment volume increases reducing aerodynamic efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into multiple discrete components: front engine attachment, rear engine attachment, and thrust force reaction device. Each component is optimized independently to minimize weight while maintaining required strength. The segmentation allows for precise load path definition and optimized material distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system incorporates articulated connections that allow for controlled movement and load redistribution. The rod-and-spreader configuration enables dynamic load sharing that maintains reliability under varying flight conditions while minimizing the static attachment volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If multiple rods and connection points are used in the front engine attachment, then the load distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distributionVSAvoidattachment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into multiple discrete components: front engine attachment, rear engine attachment, and thrust force reaction device. Each component is optimized independently to minimize weight while maintaining required strength. The segmentation allows for precise load path definition and optimized material distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple load-bearing functions are merged into integrated components. The front engine attachment simultaneously handles vertical loads, lateral loads, and moment reactions through its rod configuration. The spreader combines horizontal load bearing with engine positioning functions, reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The design reduces the size of the attachments, optimizing aerodynamics and reducing weight by distributing thrust forces isostatically, enhancing the aircraft's performance.

Implementation Method 1

The design reduces the size of the attachments, optimizing aerodynamics and reducing weight by distributing thrust forces isostatically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIsostatic force distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12448137B2Aircraft propulsion assembly having a jet engine, a pylon and means for attaching the jet engine to the pylon

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

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.