Pendular Bifurcation Panels for Propulsion Unit Stress Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propulsion units experience deformation stresses due to relative movements between the turbine engine and the mast, making maintenance difficult and incompatible with thrust reverser systems.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion unit design featuring a mast, internal, external, and lateral fairings with panels connected to the mast via pivot, slide, or sliding pivot connections, allowing for degree of freedom in translation and rotation, and a thrust reverser with a movable structure supported by a cradle that follows the turbine engine's movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lateral fairing is rigidly connected to the mast, then the structural strength is improved, but the deformation stresses increase due to relative movements between the turbine engine and mast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid connection with a dynamic connection that allows relative movement. The lateral fairing panels are connected to the mast through connections defining at least one degree of freedom (pivot, slide, or sliding pivot connections), enabling the fairing to adapt to relative movements between the turbine engine and mast while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fairing is made as a single rigid structure, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the lateral fairing into multiple detachable panels rather than a single rigid structure. These panels can be selectively removed or accessed for maintenance operations without requiring removal of the entire fairing assembly, while still forming a complete aerodynamic surface when assembled.
3Device complexity
If the thrust reverser is integrated with a rigid fairing structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to turbine engine movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the thrust reverser to be mounted on a support structure that can follow the movements of the turbine engine relative to the mast. This dynamic mounting allows the reverser to maintain proper positioning and functionality throughout various flight phases while accommodating engine displacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion unit includes a fairing delimiting a flow conduit for a secondary flow. This fairing comprises includes panels, at least one of which is articulated on a mast via connecting members such as clevises.