Aircraft Pylon Thermal Conduit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing engine attachment pylons require a specific volume for thermal protection conduits, leading to increased mass and design restrictions, as these conduits are typically arranged outside the rigid structure, which is undesirable for aircraft design.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the thermal protection conduit within the rigid structure of the attachment pylon, allowing it to serve both as a thermal barrier and a structural element for transferring engine support and thrust forces to the aircraft wing, thus eliminating the need for additional volume and reducing mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the thermal protection conduit is arranged outside the rigid structure, then the thermal protection function is provided, but the mass increases and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal protection conduit is integrated within the rigid structure of the attachment pylon, merging the thermal protection function with the structural framework. This eliminates the need for separate external conduit arrangements, reducing overall mass while maintaining thermal protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid structure serves dual purposes: it provides structural support for engine mounting and simultaneously houses the thermal protection conduit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and decreases overall system mass.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the thermal protection conduit is arranged outside the rigid structure, then the thermal protection function is provided, but the volume assignment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal protection conduit is nested within the internal volume of the rigid structure, utilizing the space already allocated for structural purposes. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional external volume assignment while providing effective thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit space is merged with the internal volume of the rigid structure, allowing the same space to serve both structural and thermal protection functions, thereby eliminating volume restrictions.
3Weight of stationary object
If the conduit is integrated within the box, then the mass and volume are reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is integrated into the existing structural elements of the rigid box, combining thermal protection functionality with the structural framework rather than adding separate components, thus minimizing the increase in structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for a more compact and lightweight propulsion assembly by utilizing the internal volume of the pylon for the conduit, enhancing structural functionality while maintaining effective thermal protection and force transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal protection system comprising a conduit forming a thermal barrier to protect the box from the heat of the engine
Implementation Method 2
a conduit arranged beneath the box to allow a flow of relatively fresh air between the box and the engine, so as to maintain a moderate temperature within the primary structure
Data Source
AI summary
Housing a conduit of a thermal protection system of a rigid structure of an attachment pylon in an aircraft propulsion assembly within a box of the rigid structure, so as to take advantage of the volume within the rigid structure. The elements forming the conduits thus form an integral part of the rigid structure and can thus play a structural role.