Rear-mounted Engine Strut for Aircraft Nacelle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine mounting systems for aircraft with contra-rotating propellers in pusher configuration experience deformation due to transverse axis flexing, leading to blade tip rotor wear and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A mounting assembly with two engine mounts arranged diametrically opposite at the rear of a rigid structure, which partially envelops the engine, reducing deformation and improving nacelle ventilation by freeing up the front section for better equipment installation and ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional engine mounting systems are used with thrust force reaction devices at the front, then the engine can be mounted and thrust forces can be reacted, but the engine experiences deformation due to transverse axis flexing leading to blade tip rotor wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine deformation controlVSAvoidblade tip rotor wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional arrangement by moving the thrust force reaction devices from the front of the engine to the rear. This reversal changes the load path and force distribution, eliminating the transverse axis flexing that caused engine deformation and blade tip rotor wear in conventional configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new spatial dimension by arranging the two thrust force reaction devices diametrically opposite each other at the rear of the engine. This diametric arrangement creates a balanced force couple that reacts thrust forces more effectively while minimizing bending moments and deformation on the engine structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the rigid structure of the mounting strut is designed to react thrust forces, then the engine can be securely mounted, but the front section of the nacelle is occupied leaving less space for ventilation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structure rigidityVSAvoidnacelle ventilation area

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the thrust force reaction devices from the front section of the nacelle and relocates them to the rear section. This extraction frees up the front nacelle area, creating additional space for ventilation inlets and improving airflow to the engine while maintaining all necessary thrust force reaction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10336458B2Aircraft assembly comprising a mounting strut built into the nacelle and arranged at the rear section of the fuselage

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

In order to reduce engine deformation, the subject matter disclosed herein provides an assembly for an aircraft, comprising an aircraft rear section, an engine, a nacelle, and a mounting strut for mounting the engine on the rear section, the assembly also comprising mounting for mounting the engine on a rigid structure of the strut, the mounting comprising two engine mounts designed to react the axial thrust forces generated by the engine. According to the subject matter disclosed herein, the rigid structure of the strut comprises a first portion partially enveloping the engine, this first portion comprising an external skin forming part of an external aerodynamic surface of the nacelle, and the two engine mounts are arranged diametrically opposite each other at the rear of the rigid structure, being attached to the first portion.