Aircraft Powerplant Pylon Link Attachment Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching a powerplant to an aircraft are inefficient due to alignment challenges, fit errors, and increased complexity with larger, heavier engines, leading to prolonged assembly times and potential damage from manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A method for installing a pre-assembled powerplant and pylon assembly, where the order of attaching links is determined based on calculated distances and lengths to align attachment points, allowing for a hyperstatic configuration that utilizes gravity to assist in the installation process, reducing manual manipulation and alignment errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the engine is manipulated manually to align attachment points during installation, then alignment can be achieved, but the engine may be damaged and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon is pre-assembled and attached to the wing before the engine is suspended. The attachment points on the pylon are prepared in advance, and the engine is then lowered into position where the links automatically align the attachment points without requiring manual manipulation of the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
Links are used as intermediary components to connect the engine to the pylon. The links act as flexible connectors that can accommodate minor misalignments and transmit forces without requiring direct rigid alignment between the engine and pylon attachment points.
2Manufacturing precision
If the engine is manipulated significantly to achieve alignment, then attachment points can be aligned, but assembly time becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon is pre-assembled and attached to the wing structure before the engine installation process begins. This preliminary action establishes fixed reference points and eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during the actual engine attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine's own weight and the geometry of the linkages automatically achieve alignment of the attachment points. The system self-adjusts during the lowering process without requiring external manipulation or time-consuming manual positioning.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tooling is used to suspend the engine, then the engine can be positioned, but tolerance and fit errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems and traditional tooling with a simplified linkage system. The links connect the engine to the pre-assembled pylon, using basic mechanical principles of suspension and gravity rather than complex alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for natural variations in attachment point positions and link lengths to be accommodated through the flexible linkage mechanism. Rather than requiring precise control of all parameters, the system accepts a range of parameter values and achieves proper alignment through the geometric relationships of the linkage system.
4Power
If larger, heavier engines are installed, then power increases, but alignment becomes more difficult and manual handling becomes unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The engine's own weight is utilized as a beneficial force rather than a hindrance. As the engine is lowered by the links, gravity assists in achieving proper alignment and securing the engine to the pylon. The weight that would normally make handling difficult is converted into a force that facilitates the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine installation process is designed so that the engine's own weight and the linkage geometry automatically achieve proper alignment and secure attachment. No external manipulation or additional alignment equipment is needed, making the process safe and straightforward even for very heavy engines.
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 method significantly reduces assembly time, minimizes fit errors, and safely handles the weight of larger engines by determining the optimal attachment sequence for links, ensuring accurate alignment and efficient installation of the powerplant and pylon assembly on the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
A method for installing a pre-assembled powerplant and pylon assembly, where the order of attaching links is determined based on calculated distances and lengths to align attachment points, allowing for a hyperstatic configuration that utilizes gravity to assist in the installation process
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a pre-assembled powerplant and pylon assembly on an aircraft comprises determining a first length of a first link, determining a second length of a second link, determining a first distance occupyable by the first link between the pylon and the aircraft, determining a second distance occupyable by the second link between the pylon and the aircraft, determining a first result by subtracting the first distance from the first length, determining a second result by subtracting the second distance from the second length, and determining a third result by adding the first result and the second result. If the third result is less than or equal to zero, the first link is installed between the pylon and the aircraft before the second link. If the third result is greater than zero, the second link is installed between the pylon and the aircraft before the first link.