Segmented Aircraft Pylon for Rapid Engine Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing pylon systems for aircraft propulsion require time-consuming disconnection from the wing, necessitating panel removal and limiting maintenance and repair to on-wing operations rather than controlled environments.

Innovation Solution

A pylon assembly with a first and second pylon structure, where the second pylon structure is configured to disconnect horizontally from the first while mounted to the airframe member, allowing for the propulsion system to be removed as a single module, facilitating easier maintenance and repair by enabling off-wing servicing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the pylon is disconnected from the wing by removing panels, then the propulsion system can be removed, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion system maintenanceVSAvoiddisconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pylon is divided into two separable structures: a first pylon structure remaining on the wing and a second pylon structure attached to the propulsion system. This segmentation allows the second structure to be quickly disconnected from the first without requiring panel removal, enabling rapid propulsion system removal and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the entire pylon is disconnected from the wing, then the propulsion system can be removed, but the complexity of the disconnection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion system removalVSAvoidpylon disconnection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the pylon into two structures with a simplified connection interface, the invention reduces the complexity of the disconnection process. The second pylon structure can be detached from the first through a straightforward mechanical disconnection without requiring removal of wing panels or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second pylon structure is extracted as a separate removable component that attaches to the propulsion system. This extracted structure can be quickly disconnected from the first pylon structure, simplifying the overall removal process while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If panels are removed to access mounting hardware, then the propulsion system can be disconnected, but aircraft downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidaircraft downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented pylon design allows the second pylon structure to be disconnected from the first without requiring panel removal. This enables maintenance personnel to quickly remove and replace propulsion systems, significantly reducing aircraft downtime and improving maintenance productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10899463B2Segmented pylon for an aircraft propulsion system

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 ROHR INC

AI summary

An assembly is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft assembly includes an aircraft propulsion system and a pylon configured to mount the aircraft propulsion system to an airframe member. The pylon includes a first pylon structure and a second pylon structure. The first pylon structure is configured to mount to the airframe member. The second pylon structure is mounted to the aircraft propulsion system. The second pylon structure is configured to disconnect from the first pylon structure while mounted to the airframe member.