Integrated Turboprop Engine Collar Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turboprop engine attachment systems are heavy, require excessive materials for heat shielding, and are complex, making them difficult to install, maintain, and replace, especially since they often necessitate removing the entire engine for component inspection and replacement.
Innovation Solution
The integration of compliant attachments, including aft engine isolators, forward-top gearbox isolators, and a forward torque restraint system within the collar structures, which reduces weight, simplifies installation, and allows for independent inspection and replacement of components without removing the engine, utilizing elastomeric elements and fluid reservoirs for vibration and noise isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid mounting bracket assemblies with separate flexible isolators are used, then the engine attachment system provides robust vibration isolation, but the system weight increases and maintenance requires removal of the entire engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rigid mounting bracket assembly and separate flexible isolators into a single integrated engine attachment system. The collar structures incorporate both rigid support functions and vibration isolation functions, eliminating the need for separate isolator components while maintaining robust vibration protection and reducing overall system weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional separate flexible isolators distributed over forward and rear frame are used, then vibration damping is achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple vibration damping isolators into a single integrated collar structure that incorporates both forward and aft vibration isolation capabilities. This unified design simplifies the attachment structure while maintaining comprehensive vibration damping protection across the engine mounting system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional separate isolator systems are used, then vibration isolation is provided, but the quantity of materials including heat shielding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated collar structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: rigid mounting, vibration isolation, and heat shielding. By combining these functions into a single unified component rather than using separate isolators and heat shielding materials, the patent reduces the total quantity of materials required while maintaining effective vibration isolation capability.
4Strength
If conventional engine attachment systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of repair deteriorates due to required engine removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engine attachment system into modular components including the integrated collar assembly that can be independently removed and replaced. This modular design allows maintenance personnel to service the attachment system without removing the entire engine, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining structural strength through the robust integrated collar design.
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
This solution results in significant weight savings, reduced material usage, improved maintenance efficiency, and enhanced vibration and noise isolation, contributing to more fuel-efficient aircraft with lower labor and fuel costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration isolator integrated with each of the forward and aft collars for isolating engine vibration and reducing noise
Implementation Method 2
The at least one vibration isolator of the forward collar includes a forward elastomeric element and an aft elastomeric element
Implementation Method 3
a forward torque restraint (FTR) system integrated with the forward collar, the forward torque restraint system being a hydraulic torque reaction system which includes one or more fluid reservoirs
Implementation Method 4
the forward torque restraint system being a hydraulic torque reaction system which includes one or more fluid reservoirs
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Engine attachment systems (EASs) and methods are provided. In one aspect, an EAS includes a forward collar, an aft collar, at least one truss subassembly disposed between the forward collar and the aft collar for supporting an engine, and at least one vibration isolator integrated with each of the forward and aft collars for isolating engine vibration and reducing noise. A method of attaching a turboprop engine includes providing an EAS and hoisting a turboprop engine at least partially within the at least one truss subassembly.