Single Plane Mount System for Gas Turbine Engine Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine engine mounting systems transmit external loads, such as air and maneuver loads, to the engine through multiple connection points, causing deflection and bending stress on engine components.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that secures the gas turbine engine along a single plane, using an outer link assembly, upper and lower thrust links, and a core support structure to separate air and maneuver loads from the core engine, reducing bending stress by managing loads within a common transverse plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple connection points are used to transfer loads, then the engine can withstand various air and maneuver loads, but bending stress and deflection on engine components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system segments the load transfer function by using multiple discrete linkages (outer link assembly, upper thrust link, lower thrust links, center thrust link) that are distributed along a single plane. Each linkage handles specific portions of the loads, preventing concentration of bending stresses at any single engine attachment point while collectively withstanding all air and maneuver loads.
2Strength
If multiple connection points are used to transfer loads, then the engine can withstand various air and maneuver loads, but deflection of engine components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional distribution of mounting points to a two-dimensional single-plane arrangement. By constraining all linkages to attach along one plane, the system eliminates out-of-plane bending moments that cause deflection, while still providing adequate load path redundancy through the multiple linkages arranged in that plane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If loads are transferred through multiple mounting points, then the mounting system can handle complex loading conditions, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the load transfer functions of multiple linkages into a unified single-plane mounting system. By coordinating the outer link assembly, upper thrust link, lower thrust links, and center thrust link to all attach along one plane, the system simplifies the overall structure and installation while maintaining the ability to handle complex air and maneuver loads through the collective action of the linked components.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a gas turbine engine assembly includes a plurality of mounting links attached the gas turbine engine along a single plane (46) transverse to the engine centerline (48) for separating the loads from the core engine (18).