Aircraft Pylon Mounting Using Segmented Forward Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting aircraft engine pylons to wings require larger, higher-strength joints that increase material usage and may compromise durability, while also potentially raising the space between the wing and pylon, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The method involves attaching forward wing-mounted fittings to the pylon between upper and lower spars, using mechanical attachments like pins, bolts, and trunnions to form a joint, with additional load paths provided by center fittings and rear attachments, allowing for reduced joint size and increased material efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger joints with more material are used to attach the pylon to the wing, then the vertical stiffness of the joint is maintained, but the space between the wing and pylon increases and durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into multiple segments: forward wing-mounted fittings attached to the wing, and corresponding fittings on the pylon, connected through multiple attachment points. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across several smaller joints rather than one large joint, maintaining stiffness while reducing the space between wing and pylon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from attaching the pylon at the top surface (vertical dimension only) to attaching at multiple locations including forward fittings on the sides of the pylon between upper and lower spars. This multi-dimensional attachment approach distributes loads across different spatial dimensions, reducing the need for large single-point joints.
2Strength
If larger joints with more material are used to attach the pylon to the wing, then the vertical stiffness of the joint is maintained, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple smaller joints (forward fittings, rear fittings, center fittings) that collectively provide the required vertical stiffness. This segmentation reduces the total material volume compared to a single large joint, as each smaller joint requires less material while their combined effect achieves the same structural performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing attachments across multiple dimensions (forward, rear, and center locations; left and right sides), the patent reduces the material concentration at any single location. The load path is distributed through multiple structural elements rather than concentrated in one large joint, reducing overall material usage.
3Strength
If higher strength materials are used to attach the pylon to the wing, then the joint strength is maintained, but durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple attachment points (forward fittings, rear fittings, center fittings) that distribute the mechanical loads across several joints. This load distribution reduces the stress concentration in each individual joint, allowing the use of standard strength materials while maintaining overall joint strength and improving durability through reduced fatigue loading.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pylon attachment is designed to account for longer pylons and reduced pylon height, then engine placement flexibility is improved, but loads at the pylon/wing attachment location increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system into forward and rear fittings that collectively bear the attachment loads. This segmentation allows the attachment system to accommodate varying pylon lengths and engine positions while distributing the increased loads across multiple attachment points, preventing any single joint from being overloaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds attachment points in multiple dimensions (forward, rear, and center locations on both sides of the pylon). This multi-dimensional attachment configuration provides additional load paths that can accommodate longer pylons and reduced pylon heights while distributing the resulting increased loads across multiple structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for attaching an engine pylon to an aircraft wing. The method may include attaching a first forward wing-mounted fitting to the pylon at a first side of the pylon between upper and lower spars of the pylon and attaching a second forward wing-mounted fitting to the pylon at a second side of the pylon between the upper and lower spars of the pylon. The second side of the pylon is located opposite of the first side of the pylon. Mechanical attachment devices may be inserted through holes on the sides of the pylon aligned with holes formed through the forward wing-mounted fittings. The mechanical attachment devices may be made of steel and the forward wing-mounted fittings may be made of composite or aluminum material.