V-Shaped Cradle Suspension for Unducted Propeller Engine Loads

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft turboprops with two unducted contrarotating propellers face challenges in reducing casing distortion, managing increased engine loads, and accommodating auxiliary equipment, particularly due to their rear-mounted configuration and large pylon dimensions, which affect performance and installation.

Innovation Solution

A suspension structure featuring a V-shaped cradle with triangular lateral structures, fastener members, transverse links, and axial links that allow for free engine expansion, reduce casing distortion, and distribute thrust forces along the turboprop's longitudinal axis, while flexible pads attenuate vibrations and ensure efficient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a conventional pylon structure is used to mount the turboprop at the rear of the fuselage, then the engine can be positioned at the rear, but the pylon dimensions increase leading to greater engine loads and casing distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine positionVSAvoidengine loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension structure is divided into multiple functional components: a cradle with lateral structures for basic support, fastener members for thrust force transfer, transverse links for movement blocking, and axial links for pitching moment management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall structural loads compared to a conventional monolithic pylon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from the conventional pylon configuration to a distributed suspension structure that utilizes multiple dimensions for force management. The cradle provides longitudinal support, fastener members handle thrust forces, transverse links manage lateral movements, and axial links address pitching moments. This multi-dimensional approach distributes loads more effectively than the single-dimension pylon configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If a conventional pylon structure is used to mount the turboprop at the rear of the fuselage, then the engine can be positioned at the rear, but the pylon dimensions increase leading to casing distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine positionVSAvoidcasing distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension structure is divided into multiple functional components: a cradle with lateral structures for basic support, fastener members for thrust force transfer, transverse links for movement blocking, and axial links for pitching moment management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall structural loads compared to a conventional monolithic pylon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from the conventional pylon configuration to a distributed suspension structure that utilizes multiple dimensions for force management. The cradle provides longitudinal support, fastener members handle thrust forces, transverse links manage lateral movements, and axial links address pitching moments. This multi-dimensional approach distributes loads more effectively than the single-dimension pylon configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Weight of moving object

If the suspension structure is optimized to reduce loads on the engine, then engine weight can be limited, but space for auxiliary equipment installation becomes constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine weightVSAvoidspace for auxiliary equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension structure is divided into multiple functional components: a cradle with lateral structures for basic support, fastener members for thrust force transfer, transverse links for movement blocking, and axial links for pitching moment management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall structural loads compared to a conventional monolithic pylon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension structure components serve multiple functions: the cradle provides structural support and mounting points, the fastener members transfer thrust forces while providing attachment points for auxiliary equipment, and the links manage various movements. This multi-functionality allows auxiliary equipment to be integrated into the suspension structure without requiring additional space, thus reducing engine weight while accommodating all necessary equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9637239B2Structure for suspending a turboprop having two unducted propellers on a structural element of an airplane

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

The invention provides a suspension structure for suspending a turboprop (10) having two unducted propellers on a structural element of an aircraft, the suspension structure comprising a cradle (18) for fastening to a structural element of the aircraft and having two lateral beams (22) connected to a main beam (20) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (14) of the turboprop so as to form a V-shaped cradle structure, the cradle being fastened to the turboprop via two angle members (24) connecting each free end of the lateral beams of the cradle to the turboprop, via an axial link (28) connecting one end of the main beam of the cradle of the turboprop, and via at least one transverse link (30) situated in a plane extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the turboprop and connecting the cradle to the turboprop.