Ridgeback Engine Mount Fitting for Low-Drag Wing Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine mounts for aircraft with unducted turbofan engines face challenges in balancing aerodynamic and structural requirements, particularly with structural members affecting fan aerodynamics and requiring adequate support while minimizing drag.
Innovation Solution
A ridgeback fitting with a body composed of two mirror-image sections, featuring a tapered shape, flanges, and ribs, which facilitates attachment to the wing's strut box and engine mount fittings, allowing for improved airflow and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the structural member is made large and robust to support the engine, then structural strength is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases and fan aerodynamics are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member is divided into two separate sections (first section and second section) that are connected together. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - one section can be designed for maximum structural strength while the other can be streamlined for aerodynamic efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and drag
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the structural member are given different geometric characteristics. The first end portion is designed with features optimized for engine mounting and strength, while the second end portion is designed with streamlined features for reduced drag. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both structural and aerodynamic requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the structural member is made small and streamlined to reduce aerodynamic drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the structural member into two sections, the design can accommodate both streamlined geometry for drag reduction and adequate structural dimensions for strength. The segmented structure allows the aerodynamic sections to be small and streamlined while the connection joint and mounting sections maintain necessary structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The first section and second section are designed as mirror images but with asymmetric features optimized for their specific functions. This asymmetric design allows each end to have the appropriate geometry for its role - one end for aerodynamic efficiency, the other for structural mounting requirements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the structural member is designed to minimize aerodynamic interference, then fan aerodynamics are improved, but the complexity of the structural design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member is segmented into two sections that are connected together, forming a unified structure that minimizes aerodynamic interference with the fan while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation allows for optimized airflow paths without requiring overly complex single-piece designs
Data Source
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AI summary
A fitting to mount an engine to a wing of an aircraft. The fitting includes a body with a first end and a second end. A first pocket is positioned at the first end with the first pocket sized to receive the forward engine mount fitting. A second pocket is positioned at the second end with the second pocket sized to receive a strut of the wing of the aircraft. The body includes a first section and a second section that are connected together. (Fig. 6)