Aircraft Propulsion Mount Aft Link Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propulsion engine mount systems, such as cantilevered mounts, are susceptible to excessive engine deflection during extreme maneuvers, leading to increased loads and oscillations, which require significant mechanical reinforcement, thereby increasing engine weight and impacting fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a propulsion system with a cantilevered core configuration and a deflection-limiting aft mount structure, where an aft mount link is loaded by engine deflection, allowing for load sharing between aft and forward mounts, and maintaining a gap during normal operation to mitigate distortions and clearances, thereby limiting excessive deflection and oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cantilevered mount systems are used, then clearance distortion characteristics are improved, but excessive engine deflection occurs during extreme maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with a collapsible aft mount link that can extend and retract. During normal operation, the aft mount link is retracted to maintain clearances. During extreme maneuvers, it extends to limit deflection, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount system is divided into separate functional segments: a forward mount link for primary support and an independent collapsible aft mount link for deflection limiting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
2Strength
If mechanical reinforcement is added to withstand extreme loads, then load capacity is improved, but engine weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanently reinforcing the mount structure to handle extreme loads, the system uses a dynamic collapsible aft mount link that only engages during extreme maneuvers. This allows the structure to remain lightweight during normal operation while providing strength when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The aft mount link changes its structural parameter (collapsed vs. extended state) based on load conditions. In the collapsed state, it presents minimal resistance and weight. When extended under extreme load, it provides the necessary structural support, effectively changing the system's load-bearing parameters in response to conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft and propulsion system are provided. The aircraft includes an airframe including one or more of a fuselage, a wing, or an empennage. The aircraft includes an aircraft propulsion system including a front frame and an aft frame. A front mount link is connected to the airframe and the front frame, and the aft frame is selectively connected to the airframe by an aft mount link.