Aircraft Wing-Pylon Connection with Separate Lateral and Vertical Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft engine mounting pylons with large diameter engines require significant vertical spacing, which is not suitable for maintaining sufficient clearance between the engine and the ground, and existing couplings transmit both vertical and lateral loads, leading to torsional stress on the wing structure.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft assembly uses a spigot and fastener system where the spigot transfers only lateral loads and the fastener transfers only vertical loads, minimizing vertical height and reducing torsional load on the wing, with optional failsafe mechanisms to handle operational loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplings are used to attach the pylon to the wing box, then the pylon can be securely mounted, but the vertical spacing between the engine and wing box increases, reducing ground clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate functional components: a spigot that handles lateral loads and a fastener that handles vertical loads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the fastener to provide secure vertical attachment without requiring excessive vertical spacing, thus resolving the contradiction between mounting security and ground clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot acts as an intermediary element between the pylon and wing box, specifically designed to transfer lateral loads while allowing vertical movement. This intermediary component enables the fastener to focus solely on vertical attachment, achieving secure mounting with minimal vertical spacing and improving ground clearance.
2Force
If conventional couplings transmit both vertical and lateral loads, then load transfer is comprehensive, but torsional stress is imposed on the wing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer function is segmented into two independent paths: lateral loads are transmitted through the spigot, while vertical loads are transmitted through the fastener. This segmentation eliminates the torsional moment that would otherwise be induced in the wing structure, as each load type is transferred along its natural axis without creating rotational stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot is designed with specific local properties (such as a slot opening) that allow it to transfer lateral loads while accommodating vertical movement. This localized optimization of the spigot's geometry enables it to handle lateral forces without inducing torsional stress in the wing, while the fastener handles vertical forces independently.
3Length of stationary object
If the spigot and fastener system is implemented, then vertical height is minimized and torsional load is reduced, but the coupling design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Although the coupling is segmented into two components (spigot and fastener), each component remains relatively simple in design. The spigot with its slot opening and the fastener with its bearing surface are straightforward geometric forms. This segmentation achieves the desired functional separation and height minimization without introducing excessive design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design transitions from a single integrated three-dimensional complex structure to two simpler components that interact through a defined interface. The spigot's slot opening and the fastener's bearing surface create a clear dimensional separation, allowing each component to be designed and manufactured independently with simpler geometries while achieving the overall system objectives.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A first aspect of the present invention provides an aircraft assembly comprising a wing and an engine mounting pylon. An aft end of the engine mounting pylon is connected to the wing by a spigot and at least one fastener. The aircraft assembly is configured such that, during operation of the aircraft assembly on an aircraft, the spigot transfers only lateral load between the engine mounting pylon and the wing and the at least one fastener transfers only vertical load between the engine mounting pylon and the wing.