Movable Pylon Pivot Mechanism for Engine Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for adapting new-generation engines with wider diameters, such as geared turbofan engines, require significant changes to aircraft wings and landing gear, leading to high investment costs and lengthy operational delays, necessitating new certification.
Innovation Solution
A movable pylon system that changes the engine's height between flying and ground positions using a pivot mechanism with parallel linkage bars and hydraulic or electric actuators, allowing the engine to be positioned without major structural modifications, thereby maintaining existing aircraft designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pantograph mechanism is used to change engine height, then the engine can be positioned between flying and ground positions, but the mechanism becomes complex and less rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon is divided into two distinct structures: a fixed pylon structure attached to the wing and a movable pylon structure attached to the engine. These two structures are connected by a pivot mechanism rather than a complex pantograph, simplifying the overall design while maintaining height adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the movable pylon structure to rotate relative to the fixed structure, enabling engine height adjustment through controlled rotation rather than complex linkages
2Strength
If the pylon structures are made strong enough to bear engine weight and drag forces, then the engine can be securely supported, but the aircraft weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By making the pylon movable through a pivot mechanism, the structure can dynamically adjust its position to optimize load distribution. The movable structure rotates to change engine height rather than relying on heavy fixed support structures throughout the entire height range
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism is designed with predetermined rotation axes and attachment points that are pre-calculated to provide optimal structural strength at each position, allowing the pylon to bear engine weight and drag forces efficiently without excessive weight
3Use of energy by moving object
If new-generation engines with wider diameter are installed, then fuel usage is reduced and maximum take-off weight is increased, but significant changes to wing and landing gear are required
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pylon with pivot mechanism allows the engine to be positioned at different heights and angles, accommodating engines with wider diameters without requiring fixed structural changes to the wing or landing gear
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports engines of different diameters, adjusts engine height for aerodynamic optimization, and eliminates the need for landing gear modifications, making the aircraft adaptable to various engine types
4Adaptability or versatility
If significant structural changes are made to adapt to new engines, then the aircraft can operate new engine types, but new certification is required and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pylon system provides a universal mounting solution that can accommodate different engine types and sizes through position adjustment rather than structural redesign, avoiding the need for new certification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the pivot mechanism allows the aircraft to adapt to different engine configurations without permanent structural modifications, enabling rapid engine replacement and operation without lengthy certification delays
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
Enables the installation of larger engines with reduced fuel usage and increased maximum take-off weight without significant structural changes, avoiding the need for new certification and optimizing aerodynamics by clearing ground distance during landing.
Implementation Method 1
a first movable structure pivoted to a second fixed structure
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic or electric actuators
Implementation Method 3
hydraulic or electric actuators
Data Source
AI summary
It is described a movable pylon, associated with a lower portion of aircraft wing and with an aircraft engine to change the height of this engine between a flying position and a ground position, the movable pylon comprising: a main unique structure formed by a first movable structure pivoted to a second fixed structure, the first movable structure associated with the engine, the second fixed structure associated with the wing, and a pivot mechanism connecting the first movable structure to at least one point on the wing.