Pylon Control Surface Integration for Aircraft Directional Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft control surface designs need to accommodate varying configurations while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and flight control, particularly in new aircraft designs such as blended wing body configurations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a pylon assembly with a control surface that functions as a vertical stabilizer, integrating a pylon control surface pivotable about a vertical axis to provide stability and control, and optionally combining with tail and elevator assemblies for enhanced directional control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate vertical stabilizer is used, then directional control is provided, but aircraft weight and drag increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional controlVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vertical stabilizer function with the engine pylon structure by integrating a control surface into the pylon assembly. This merging eliminates the need for a separate vertical stabilizer, thereby reducing aircraft weight and drag while maintaining directional control capability through the pivotable control surface on the pylon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pylon assembly is given multiple functions: it not only supports the engine but also incorporates a pivotable control surface that provides directional control. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to serve both structural support and flight control purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated control surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate vertical stabilizer is used, then directional control is provided, but aircraft drag increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional controlVSAvoidaircraft drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vertical stabilizer function with the engine pylon structure by integrating a control surface into the pylon assembly. This merging eliminates the need for a separate vertical stabilizer, thereby reducing aircraft weight and drag while maintaining directional control capability through the pivotable control surface on the pylon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If control surfaces are placed on wings or tail, then flight control is achieved, but adaptability to varying aircraft configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight controlVSAvoidadaptability to aircraft configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pylon assembly is given multiple functions: it not only supports the engine but also incorporates a pivotable control surface that provides directional control. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to serve both structural support and flight control purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated control surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250368315A1Engine pylon assembly with a control surface for an aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

An aircraft includes an aircraft body and an engine supported relative to the aircraft body. In addition, the aircraft includes a pylon assembly extending between the aircraft body and the engine. The pylon assembly includes a pylon structure coupling the engine to the aircraft body, and a pylon control surface coupled to and movable relative to at least a portion of the pylon structure.