Aircraft Sensor Pod Pylon Attachment with Adjustable Spars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor pod attachments on aircraft fuselages are limited by aerodynamic requirements, aircraft drag, antenna radar weight, structural strength, and lack versatility in mounting various types of airborne sensor pods and sensors.
Innovation Solution
A pylon assembly with integrated forward and individually adjustable aft pylon structures, featuring elongate spars, cross-support bases, and adjustable connector rods for secure and adaptable attachment of sensor pods to the aircraft fuselage, enhancing aerodynamics and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sensor pod attachments are used, then the sensor pod can be mounted on the aircraft fuselage, but the aerodynamic performance is limited and aircraft drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple pylon structures (fore and aft pylons) with cross-support bases, distributing the sensor pod weight across multiple attachment points. This segmentation allows for optimized aerodynamic flow around each pylon while maintaining structural support, reducing overall drag compared to a single large attachment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pylon structures extend vertically from the fuselage surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to support the sensor pod while minimizing horizontal projection area. This vertical orientation reduces interference with the horizontal airflow over the fuselage, improving aerodynamic performance and reducing drag.
2Strength
If conventional sensor pod attachments are used, then the sensor pod can be mounted, but the structural strength is insufficient for heavy radar antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The load from heavy radar antennas is distributed across multiple pylon structures (fore and aft pylons on each side) with cross-support bases connecting them. This segmentation of the support system allows each pylon to bear a portion of the total weight, increasing overall structural strength capability without requiring a single overly heavy attachment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fore and aft pylon structures are connected by cross-support bases, merging them into a unified support framework. This combined structure provides enhanced structural strength and stability for supporting heavy radar antennas, distributing loads across multiple interconnected elements rather than relying on isolated pylons.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensor pod attachments are used, then the mounting is simple, but the versatility in mounting various types of sensor pods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon attachment system is designed with standardized cross-support bases and mounting interfaces that can accommodate different types and sizes of sensor pods. The adjustable and modular nature of the pylon structures allows the same attachment assembly to be used across multiple sensor pod configurations, providing universality without requiring completely different attachment systems for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly incorporates adjustable elements that allow modification of pylon spacing, orientation, and configuration to suit different sensor pod requirements. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to adapt to various mounting scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, balancing versatility with complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sensor pod attachments are used, then the structure is simple, but the aerodynamic requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple slender pylon structures rather than a single large complex structure. Each pylon can be individually optimized for aerodynamic efficiency while the overall segmented configuration minimizes interference with airflow, meeting aerodynamic requirements with a structure that appears relatively simple from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pylon structures utilize the vertical dimension to provide structural support while maintaining a minimal horizontal footprint. This vertical orientation allows the structures to meet aerodynamic requirements by presenting a small cross-section to the horizontal airflow, achieving aerodynamic efficiency without requiring complex horizontal configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Sensor pod attachment assemblies are provided for attaching a sensor pod (12) containing airborne sensor equipment to an aircraft fuselage (AF). The sensor pod assemblies may include fore and aft pairs of attachment pylon assemblies (14, 16) each having a lower end attached to the aircraft fuselage (AF) and an upper end attached to the sensor pod (12). The fore pair of attachment pylon assemblies (14) can include port and starboard pylon structures (14-1, 14-2), and a cross-support base connected to upper ends of the port and starboard pylon structures. The aft pair of attachment pylon assemblies (16) may include a lengthwise adjustable spar assembly.