Turbo-Engine Adapter Axial Sliding Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The bulkiness and mass of attachment devices on turbo-engine exhaust casings pose integration challenges under aircraft wings, particularly when trying to position the engine close to the wings, and the separation of suspension planes requires long, heavy thrust uptake struts to avoid buckling, leading to increased mass and complexity in manufacturing and expansion management.

Innovation Solution

A method for holding an adapting part on a turbo-engine casing using axially sliding and rigid connections, which allows for radial centering and absorption of expansion, reducing mass and bulkiness by eliminating the need for flanges and simplifying manufacturing tolerances, with connecting means like circular tabs and grooves facilitating easier mounting and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rigid attachment devices are used on the exhaust casing, then structural integrity is ensured, but the mass and bulkiness of the attachment part increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmass of attachment part

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment part is divided into multiple separate components: an adapting part with first and second connecting means, and a casing with complementary connecting means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall mass while maintaining structural integrity through distributed connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first connecting means forms a sliding connection that allows axial movement, transforming the rigid static attachment into a dynamic system. This enables the attachment part to accommodate thermal expansion and operational movements without requiring excessive structural reinforcement, thereby reducing mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If the separation between suspension planes is reduced to decrease strut length, then mass and complexity are reduced, but the structural stability and resistance to buckling worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength of thrust uptake strutsVSAvoidresistance to buckling

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system extends in multiple dimensions with the adapting part providing both axial positioning and radial centering. This multi-dimensional constraint system allows for shorter strut lengths while maintaining stability through distributed support in different spatial directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If flanges are used for rigid connection to ensure structural strength, then strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidtolerance management

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding connection at the first connecting means provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the system to self-align and accommodate manufacturing tolerances. This eliminates the need for precision-flanged connections while maintaining connection strength through the sliding interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapting part acts as an intermediary component between the thrust uptake struts and the exhaust casing. It provides a transition interface that simplifies connections by incorporating built-in alignment and tolerance compensation features, reducing the precision requirements for both the struts and casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If the adapting part is designed to cover the entire casing to improve structural coverage, then structural coverage is improved, but mass and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of adapting partVSAvoidmass of adapting part

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapting part covers only the critical connection zones rather than the entire casing. The first connecting means is positioned at one axial end for thrust uptake connection, and the second connecting means is positioned at the other axial end for casing attachment, providing targeted coverage where structural support is needed while minimizing unnecessary material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9834312B2Method for holding an adapter piece on a tubular housing of a turbo engine, and corresponding adapter piece and holding system

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

An adapting part is designed to be held on a casing of a turbo-engine, partially covering the casing. The adapting part includes, in the extension of one of its axial ends, a first connector to engage with a first complementary connector associated with the casing to form a sliding connection. The adapting part also includes, at its other axial end, a second connector to be secured to a second complementary connector associated with the casing to form a rigid connection.