Jet Engine Mounting Pylon with Segmented Lateral Flank Joists

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft mounting pylons for jet engines under the wing do not optimize load transfer between the engine and the wing box, leading to potential inefficiencies in load distribution and weight.

Innovation Solution

A mounting pylon design featuring port-side and starboard-side semi-structures in the form of open C-beams with upper and lower spars, lateral flanks with openwork structures, and specific attachment points that include reacting and transfer joists to enhance load transfer, along with a rear wing attachment point for improved load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional attachment points are used between the wing box and the primary structure, then the load transmission is ensured, but the weight of the mounting pylon is optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transmissionVSAvoidmounting pylon weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral flank is segmented into multiple discrete joists (reacting joist and transfer joists) rather than using a solid continuous structure. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed through specific load paths while removing unnecessary material, thereby reducing weight while maintaining load transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openwork structure with strategically positioned joists provides local reinforcement exactly where loads are transmitted, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire lateral flank. The joists are placed to align with load paths, creating local quality improvements at critical stress points while leaving other areas lighter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the lateral flank is made solid to improve structural rigidity, then the load transfer is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidmounting pylon weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral flank is divided into discrete joists arranged in an openwork pattern, providing structural rigidity through strategic load paths rather than continuous material. This segmentation maintains necessary stiffness while minimizing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openwork structure creates a three-dimensional lattice of joists that provides rigidity through spatial arrangement and geometric configuration rather than relying on material volume alone. The angular arrangement of transfer joists creates triangular load paths that enhance structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11319081B2Mounting pylon for a jet engine of an aircraft comprising a particular structure

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A mounting pylon comprising a structure that comprises two C-shaped semi-structures and comprising an upper spar, a lower spar and a lateral flank, an upper panel, a lower panel, a reacting attachment point, two bars attached between the reacting attachment point and a jet engine, and a front wing attachment point attached to a wing box. The lateral flank comprises joists that are aligned between the front wing attachment point and the reacting attachment point, and where the angles between two successive joists are equal.