Wraparound Pylon Engine Mount Layout for Ground Strike Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional engine mounting systems for large-diameter propeller engines fail to effectively manage aerodynamic loads, leading to undesired stresses and increased risk of propeller ground strikes due to improper load distribution, especially in turboprop engines.

Innovation Solution

A novel engine mounting system with multiple linkage elements converging at the propeller/fan loads application point, distributing loads directly to the pylon structure and reducing torsional and bending moments through a system of interconnected engine mounts and shackles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional engine mounting systems are used with larger engines producing larger loads, then the engine can generate more thrust, but undesired stresses occur on the mounting system and the engine may dip or move closer to the ground causing propeller ground strike

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethrustVSAvoidmounting system stress

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The engine mounting system is divided into multiple separate engine mounts (first engine mount, second engine mount, third engine mount) that are distributed at different locations on the engine. Each mount handles a portion of the total load, segmenting the stress distribution to prevent excessive stress on any single mounting component while supporting the engine's thrust capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engine mounts are arranged in three-dimensional space with different orientations (longitudinal axis, transverse axis, vertical axis). The first engine mount has a longitudinal axis, the second engine mount has a transverse axis, and the third engine mount has a vertical axis. This spatial arrangement creates a three-dimensional load distribution system that better manages aerodynamic forces and prevents engine dip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If the diameter of engines and propellers is increased to generate more thrust, then the thrust component increases, but ground strikes become more likely to occur without improving mounting structures

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethrustVSAvoidground strike risk

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple engine mounts distributed at different locations segment the aerodynamic loads applied to the propeller. The first engine mount handles longitudinal loads, the second engine mount handles transverse loads, and the third engine mount handles vertical loads, creating a distributed load path that reduces concentrated stresses and prevents propeller ground strike.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The three-dimensional arrangement of engine mounts with different axial orientations creates a spatial load distribution system. This multi-dimensional mounting architecture provides better ground clearance management and reduces the likelihood of ground strike by distributing aerodynamic forces across multiple spatial dimensions rather than concentrating them at a single mounting point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If multiple linkage elements are used to distribute loads directly to the pylon structure, then torsional and bending moments are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distributionVSAvoidmounting system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system uses multiple separate engine mounts (first, second, and third) with different orientations and connection points. Each mount is a discrete component that can be independently designed and installed, segmenting the overall mounting system into manageable units while achieving comprehensive load distribution to the pylon structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each engine mount serves multiple functions: transferring aerodynamic loads, providing structural support, and enabling adjustable positioning. The first engine mount handles longitudinal thrust, the second handles transverse loads, and the third handles vertical loads, making each component multi-functional and justifying the increased structural complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12509237B2Forward engine mount for a half or full wraparound pylon

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

An engine mounting system comprising an engine with a center of thrust, a first engine mount having a longitudinal axis that intersects with the center of thrust, a second engine mount having a longitudinal axis that intersects with the center of thrust, the longitudinal axis of the first engine mount intersecting the longitudinal axis of the second engine mount at the center of thrust, wherein the engine includes a first connection point at a first point on the engine, the first engine mount to couple the first connection point to a pylon, a second connection point at a second point on the engine, the second engine mount to couple the second connection point to the pylon, and a third connection point at a third point on the engine symmetrical to the second point across a centerline, the second engine mount to couple the third connection point to the pylon.