Jet Engine Pylon Front Structure With Vertical Hinge Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reactor mast designs are bulky and reduce the space allocated for the means of attachment is reduced accordingly, and it is necessary to find a less bulky arrangement for the attachment means of the reactor mast.

Innovation Solution

A reactor mast comprising a primary structure and a secondary forward structure fixed to each other by fastening means, where the fastening means include two hinges with a hinge axis perpendicular to the vertical median plane, allowing for a reduced footprint and improved space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional bolt and nut systems are used to attach the secondary forward structure to the primary structure, then the attachment is reliable and secure, but the attachment means become bulky and reduce the space allocated for attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of attachment meansVSAvoidreliability of attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the hinge axis from a horizontal orientation (parallel to the median plane) to a vertical orientation (perpendicular to the median plane). This dimensional change allows the hinges to stack vertically rather than extend horizontally, significantly reducing the footprint and volume occupied by the attachment means while maintaining all necessary fastening functions and structural reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the gondolas are made larger to accommodate traditional attachment systems, then the attachment reliability is maintained, but the space allocated for the means of attachment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for attachment meansVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the hinge axis orientation to be perpendicular to the median plane, the attachment system consolidates its spatial requirements into a vertical dimension rather than extending into the horizontal space. This allows the gondola structure to be more compact while still providing adequate space for the attachment means, effectively resolving the contradiction between available space and attachment complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If traditional horizontal hinge arrangement is used, then the attachment is straightforward, but the footprint is larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidfootprint of attachment means
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical orientation of the hinge axis (perpendicular to the median plane) reorganizes the attachment geometry to minimize horizontal footprint. This dimensional reconfiguration maintains the straightforward articulation and ease of operation while dramatically reducing the space required for the attachment arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4682055A1Reactor mast comprising a primary structure and a secondary front structure with means for fixing one to the other
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP4682055A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4682055A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4682055A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a jet engine pylon (100) for supporting an aircraft engine, said jet engine pylon (100) comprising a primary structure (102) which has, at a front end (102a), a front beam (106), a front secondary structure (104) disposed in front of the front beam (106), two connecting rods (152a-b), each having a first end mounted articulated to the front beam (106) and a second end mounted articulated to the front secondary structure (104), and secondary fastening means fixed between a front edge of the front beam (106) and a rear edge of the front secondary structure (104). With such an assembly, the overall size is reduced.