Integrated Pylon Box Between Wing Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing diameter of turbofan engines with high bypass ratios complicates the installation of attachment pylons under the wing, as it reduces the available vertical space, necessitating a reduction in pylon height while maintaining mechanical strength and aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of the pylon box directly within the wing structure, dividing it into two boxes on either side of the attachment pylon, reduces bulk and simplifies design, allowing the engine to be positioned closer to the wing while maintaining sufficient ground clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine diameter is increased to achieve high bypass ratio, then the bypass ratio is improved, but the available vertical space under the wing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon box is integrated into the wing structure by positioning it between the internal and external wing boxes in the spanwise direction (another dimension), rather than stacking components vertically. This dimensional reorganization allows the engine to be moved closer to the wing while maintaining sufficient ground clearance.
2Volume of moving object
If the pylon height is reduced to fit in the limited vertical space, then the space constraint is resolved, but the mechanical strength for load transmission is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon box is merged with the wing structure by integrating it between the internal and external wing boxes. This consolidation creates a unified load-bearing structure where the wing and pylon function as a single integrated unit, maintaining mechanical strength while reducing overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
Load transmission paths are extended in the spanwise direction through the integrated pylon box positioned between the wing boxes, rather than relying solely on vertical load paths. This dimensional shift allows strength to be maintained with reduced vertical dimension.
3Quantity of substance
If the pylon box is integrated into the wing structure, then the bulk and mass of secondary structures is reduced, but the structural design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon box and wing structure are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate secondary structures to connect the pylon to the wing. This consolidation reduces material quantity and bulk while the modular integration approach manages design complexity.
4Length of stationary object
If the engine is positioned closer to the wing, then the ground clearance is improved, but the vertical space for mounting fittings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement is reorganized by integrating the pylon box between the internal and external wing boxes in the spanwise direction, creating mounting space in the lateral dimension rather than relying solely on vertical space. This allows the engine to be positioned closer to the wing while preserving fitting installation space.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to optimize the bulk of a primary structure of an aircraft engine attachment pylon, and to favor the installation of the engine as close as possible to the wing element, the disclosure herein provides an aircraft assembly comprising a wing element, a turbofan engine and an engine attachment pylon, the engine comprising a rear part arranged under the wing element equipped with a wing structure, the pylon comprising a primary structure for transmitting loads from the engine to the wing structure, this primary structure comprising a pylon box, and the assembly also comprising an attachment for attaching the primary structure to the engine. According to the disclosure herein, the wing structure comprises two wing boxes that follow one another in a wingspan direction of the wing element, and the pylon box is arranged between these boxes and fixed to each of the latter.