Pivotable Spacer Interface for Curved Wing-Pylon Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching aircraft engine mounting pylons to wings face challenges due to the mismatch in curvature between the pylon and wing surfaces, requiring custom-made interface plates that are time-consuming and difficult to produce, especially for high-load applications where precise matching of surface shapes is necessary.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pivotable spacer component with a magnetic attachment mechanism that self-aligns between the wing and pylon surfaces, allowing for effective contact and load transmission without needing to tailor the spacer component to match the wing surface, utilizing a magnet and ferromagnetic material for retention and a fastener for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a custom-made interface plate is used to match the curved wing surface, then the contact area and load transmission are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer component is designed with a pivotable feature that allows it to self-align between the pylon and wing surfaces. The pivotable mechanism enables the spacer to automatically adjust its orientation to achieve proper contact with both surfaces, eliminating the need for custom-made interface plates that require precise matching of curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer component transitions from a static, fixed-orientation component to a dynamic, pivotable component. This pivotability allows the spacer to adapt its orientation during assembly and operation, enabling it to bridge the gap between the flat pylon surface and the curved wing surface without requiring custom manufacturing.
2Reliability
If a custom-made interface plate is used to match the curved wing surface, then the load transmission effectiveness is improved, but the assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable spacer component performs the alignment function automatically during assembly. The magnetic attachment mechanism holds the spacer in its self-aligned position, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment and custom fitting procedures required by traditional interface plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment mechanism replaces complex mechanical alignment and retention systems. Instead of requiring precise mechanical fitting of custom-made plates, the magnetic force automatically retains the spacer component in its self-aligned position, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If the pylon is attached directly to the wing, then the vertical distance is minimized, but the curvature mismatch prevents effective fastening and load transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer component serves as an intermediary element between the pylon and the wing. It bridges the gap created by the curvature mismatch, providing a interface that can effectively transmit loads while maintaining the minimal vertical distance required for the engine mounting configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable spacer component dynamically adapts to the curvature mismatch between the flat pylon surface and the curved wing surface. This pivotability enables effective fastening and load transmission without requiring increased vertical distance, as the spacer can orient itself to contact both surfaces properly.
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
This solution enables more efficient and cost-effective assembly of high-load joints between aircraft components by allowing the spacer component to self-align and maintain contact, reducing the need for precise shaping and improving the time and cost efficiency of the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
One of the first component and the spacer component comprises a magnet and the other one of the first component and the spacer component comprises a ferromagnetic material, such that an attractive magnetic force exists between the first component and the spacer component
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an assembly comprising a first component, a second component and a spacer component. The first component has a first interface surface. The second component has a second interface surface with a curvature different to the curvature of the first interface surface. The second component is connected to the first component such that the second interface surfaces faces the first interface surface. The spacer component is disposed between the first interface surface and the second interface surface and is configured to be pivotable relative to the first interface surface.