Sideload Bearing Interface for Fairing Load Reaction and Seal Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of tie-rods and associated fittings in aircraft engine strut fairings increases part count, production cost, and weight, while penetrating seal bulkheads prevents a continuous seal, necessitating a more efficient coupling solution that reacts loads and provides movement in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
An interface apparatus comprising a load bearing member with a bearing housing and attachment member, configured to provide three axes of movement and reaction, reducing the need for additional linkages and allowing for continuous seals, with materials chosen based on loading conditions to optimize strength and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tie-rods and associated fittings are used to couple engine strut fairings to wings, then load reaction and structural support are provided, but part count, production cost, and aircraft weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tie-rod, support fitting, and fairing fitting into a single integrated interface apparatus consisting of a bearing housing, bearing, and attachment member. This consolidation eliminates multiple separate components while maintaining the load reaction capability, directly reducing part count and simplifying the coupling structure between engine strut fairings and wings
Solution Approach 2:
The interface apparatus performs multiple functions within a single component: it provides load reaction in vertical and lateral directions, allows rotational movement, and serves as the primary coupling structure. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized functions previously distributed across tie-rods, fittings, and seal bulkheads, reducing overall system complexity
2Strength
If tie-rods penetrate seal bulkheads to connect fittings, then structural coupling is achieved, but continuous sealing is prevented and additional vapor barrier components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tie-rod from the sealing path by repositioning the coupling interface. The bearing housing is mounted to the skin or spar cap without penetrating the seal bulkhead, allowing the seal bulkhead to maintain its continuous sealing function while the interface apparatus provides structural coupling through non-penetrating mounting arrangements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fittings and linkages are used to provide multi-directional movement and load reaction, then structural flexibility is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a bearing that enables dynamic rotational movement between the bearing housing and attachment member. This dynamic capability allows the interface apparatus to accommodate multi-directional movements and loading conditions inherent in engine strut fairing couplings without requiring multiple rigid linkages, thereby providing structural flexibility with fewer components
Solution Approach 2:
The interface apparatus combines the functions of multiple fittings and linkages into a single integrated structure. The bearing housing, bearing, and attachment member work together as one unit to provide both load reaction and multi-directional movement capability, eliminating the need for separate fittings and linkages that would increase device complexity and installation time
4Strength
If traditional tie-rod assemblies with multiple fittings are used, then load reaction is provided, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tie-rod, support fitting, and fairing fitting into a single interface apparatus, the patent eliminates the weight of multiple separate components and their associated fasteners. The integrated design reduces material usage while maintaining load reaction capability in vertical and lateral directions, directly contributing to weight reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional tie-rod assembly, such as multiple fittings and intermediate linkages. By removing these redundant elements while retaining essential load reaction functions, the overall weight of the coupling system is reduced
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The interface apparatus reduces aircraft part count and weight, facilitates continuous seals, and provides adjustable, multi-directional movement, thereby reducing installation time and costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing is provided with an outer surface that defines a first curved surface and an inner surface that defines a second curved surface. The first curved surface is configured to contact a first outer surface of the attachment member and the second curved surface is configured to contact a second outer surface of the attachment member such that rotational movement between the bearing housing and the attachment member is provided along three axes.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An interface apparatus including a load bearing member configured for coupling to a structure, and an attachment member coupled to the load bearing member, wherein the load bearing member is configured to react loads, from the attachment member to the structure, in at least a first direction while simultaneously providing free movement of the attachment member in at least a second direction.