Truss-Braced Wing Engine Mounting for Higher Aspect Ratio Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional truss-braced wing aircraft designs face limitations in aspect ratio and weight due to engines being mounted on the wings, which increases wing thickness and reduces cabin space, while existing engine mountings do not effectively manage engine systems and fluid/electrical conduits, leading to aerodynamic inefficiencies and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
The proposed truss-braced wing aircraft engine mountings couple engines directly to trusses or the central structural section, positioning them away from the fuselage to reduce wing load and increase aspect ratio, and utilize conduits through trusses or pylons to minimize wing and fuselage systems, enhancing aerodynamics and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If engines are mounted on the wings, then the propulsion system is supported, but the wing thickness increases and cabin space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engine mounting system is extracted from the wing structure and relocated to the fuselage. The engines are now mounted on the fuselage center section rather than being attached to the wings, which eliminates the need to thicken the wings for engine support and thereby preserves cabin space while maintaining structural strength through the fuselage mounting arrangement.
2Strength
If engines are mounted on the wings, then the propulsion system is supported, but the wing aspect ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engine mounting function is extracted from the wing and transferred to the fuselage structure. This allows the wings to maintain their full span and optimal aspect ratio for aerodynamic efficiency, while the fuselage assumes the role of supporting the engines through dedicated mounting points on the center section.
3Strength
If conventional engine mounting is used, then the engine is supported, but aerodynamic inefficiencies occur due to system encumbrance
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated engine mounting structure is introduced as an intermediary between the fuselage and the engines. This mounting structure is specifically designed to support the engines while minimizing aerodynamic interference, allowing the engines to be positioned optimally without the drag penalties associated with conventional wing-mounted configurations.
4Strength
If engines are mounted on the wings, then the propulsion system is supported, but the wing weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine support function is extracted from the wing and assigned to the fuselage structure. This eliminates the need to reinforce the wings with additional weight to accommodate engine mounting, while the fuselage structure is designed to bear the engine load through its center section mounting points, thereby reducing overall wing weight.
Data Source
AI summary
Truss-braced wing aircraft engine mounting and associated systems are disclosed. An example aircraft includes a fuselage including a central structural section, a wing extending from the fuselage, a truss extending from the central structural section and coupled to the wing, a pylon coupled to the central structural section, and an engine coupled to the pylon, wherein the pylon is positioned at an angle substantially 45 degrees from a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.