Aircraft Engine Support Patents (Class 248/554)
  • Patent number: 8152094
    Abstract: An engine mounting apparatus that includes thrust struts, a balance yoke, and primary and secondary mount blocks. The thrust struts are connected to the balance yoke and the primary mount block has at least one thrust load connection connectable to the balance yoke for transferring thrust loads from an engine during normal operation of the engine mounting apparatus. The engine mounting apparatus is characterized in that the secondary mount block is connected to the balance yoke via at least one thrust load catcher connection, the at least one thrust load catcher connection being arranged to be unloaded during normal operation of the engine mounting arrangement and to transfer the thrust loads from the engine in the event of a failure condition of the primary mount block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Lawrence David Foster
  • Publication number: 20120080582
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spigot-type fastener (1) for an aircraft, designed to be interposed between the structure of the aircraft and an attachment structure of the aircraft engine, said fastener being designed to absorb the force generated by the engine along two orthogonal axes (OX) and (OZ). According to the invention, this fastener comprises a first part (2), one end of said first part being secured to a second part (14), one end (9) of the second part being separated from the first part by a distance j and the opposite end (10) of the second part being fit into a recess (4) of a third part (3) via a protrusion (11), such that the force along both axes is transmitted by the first part (2) to the third part (3) by means of the second part (14) and the means for measuring the force are mounted on at least one of the parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Jean-Michel ROGERO, Christian Fabre, Herve Magnin
  • Patent number: 8146856
    Abstract: An attachment device for an aircraft engine that includes a rigid structure and an attachment mechanism of the engine to the rigid structure. The attachment mechanism includes a device reacting to thrust forces generated by the engine, the reacting device including two link rods mechanically connected to a balance beam at a rear end by a first mechanical connection, a main fitting fixed to the rigid structure to which the balance beam is mechanically connected, and two additional fittings fixed to the rigid structure to which the link rods are mechanically connected with play. The mechanical connections between the balance beam and the main fitting and between the link rods and the additional fittings each include a pin orthogonal to a mid-plane of transmission of the forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Stephane Combes, Didier Rovatti
  • Patent number: 8141817
    Abstract: A turbojet suspended from an aircraft mast is disclosed. The turbojet includes a front fan, an intermediate casing downstream of the fan with an outer shroud and a hub connected together by radial arms, and an exhaust casing with an outer shroud, the two casings being aligned on one and the same axis XX. The mast includes a structural strut assembly of elongated shape. The strut assembly is attached upstream rigidly to the outer shroud of the intermediate casing by a front attachment including a device for transmitting the axial and lateral forces and downstream by a rear attachment to the exhaust casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: SNECMA, AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Andre Bruno Denis Baillard, Pierre-Alain Jean-Marie Philippe Hugues Chouard, Francois Raymond Conte, Guillaume Lefort
  • Patent number: 8118252
    Abstract: A rear lower aerodynamic fairing for an attachment device for an aircraft engine, including two side panels assembled together with transverse stiffening inner ribs spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the fairing, and a heat protection floor to be closely followed by a primary flow of the engine. The floor includes plural floor segments distributed along the direction and non-rigidly bound to each other, and the fairing further includes an assembling mechanism assembling the floor segments, offsetting the latter of the ribs to which are connected the assembling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Dumont, Frederic Roche
  • Patent number: 8118251
    Abstract: A mounting system for a gas turbine engine includes a thrust ring and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is at least partially received by the thrust ring. The linkage assembly reacts at least a side load and a thrust load communicated from the thrust ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Jon A. Marx, Christopher M. Dye
  • Patent number: 8104708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an isostatic suspension for mounting a turbojet engine on a pylon of an aircraft, the turbojet engine comprising a front fan, an intermediate casing downstream of the fan with an outer shell and a hub interconnected by radial arms, and an exhaust casing with an outer shell on the same axis XX, the suspension comprising a front attachment on the intermediate casing, a rear attachment with at least two rear attachment links connected to the outer shell of the exhaust casing, a pair of thrust bars being fixed at their upstream ends to the hub of the intermediate casing. It is characterized in that the plane formed by the two links of the rear attachment is inclined with respect to the plane of the exhaust casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Pierre-Alain Jean-Marie Philippe Hugues Chouard, Guillaume Lefort
  • Patent number: 8104736
    Abstract: A mount system for an auxiliary component includes two side brackets and a top bracket for rigidly attaching an auxiliary component to an engine casing. Each side bracket defines mount segments, a deformable member and two retainer members between the mount segment. The deformable member plastically deforms during a fan-blade out event, thereby absorbing a majority of the high shock load experienced on the auxiliary component. The retainer members maintain the attachment between the auxiliary component and the engine casing subsequent to the fan-blade out event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Craig M. Callaghan
  • Patent number: 8083177
    Abstract: A device for mounting a suspension member on the casing of a turbine engine is disclosed. The device includes a yoke with at least one lug, secured to the casing, a pin fixed to the yoke supporting the member via a ring surrounding the pin, and a rotation-prevention device that includes a counter-rotation plate attached to the lug. The plate and the pin include an assembly consisting of a peg and of a cutout or a hole, into which the peg fits in order to prevent the pin from rotating in the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier Renon, Paul Rodrigues, Christian Ren{acute over ())}{acute over (})}e Schnell, Jean-Luc Soupizon
  • Patent number: 8074923
    Abstract: An engine mounting apparatus for attaching an engine to a suspension pylon includes a mounting block, first and second links connectable between the engine and the mount block and first and second fixings connectable between the suspension pylon and the mount block. The apparatus further has a catcher link, located between the first and second links, that is connectable to the engine at a first end and to the suspension pylon at a second end via a third fixing with a clearance between the catcher link and the engine such that no load is transferred between the engine and the suspension pylon in normal operation. The apparatus also has a catcher fixing between the mount block and the catcher link, the catcher fixing having a clearance with respect to the mount block such that no load is transferred between the mount block and the catcher link in normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Lawrence David Foster
  • Patent number: 8020831
    Abstract: A suspension for suspending of a turbine engine from the structure of an aircraft using a beam with an attachment device which attaches to the structure and at least one link rod articulated via one end to a journal secured to the beam and via the other to a fitting secured to the turbine engine is disclosed. This suspension is one wherein the journal is mounted on the beam via a flexible coupling formed of two preloaded laminated, elastomer and metal, cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sebastien Dron, Gilles Lucien Fontenoy, Marc Patrick Tesniere
  • Patent number: 8001764
    Abstract: A vibration isolation engine mount system and method for ducted fan aircraft, such as ducted fan vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, includes an engine for driving the ducted fan. The system includes an engine support structure for supporting the engine within the ducted fan. A rotor of the ducted fan is coupled to an engine shaft of the engine via a rotor hub. The system includes a plurality of vibration isolators configured to mount the engine to the engine support structure. Each of the plurality of vibration isolators is substantially concentrically oriented along a surface of a sphere. A center of the sphere is located at a center of the rotor hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Parks, Jean-Charles Ledé
  • Patent number: 7967242
    Abstract: A device for suspension of an engine, configured to be inserted between an aircraft wing and the engine. The device includes a rigid structure and a forward aerodynamic structure mounted fixed on the structure through a suspension mechanism. The forward aerodynamic structure is configured to carry engine fan casings and to be inserted between the rigid structure and the wing. The suspension mechanism includes at least one adjustable length connecting rod of which one end is mounted on the rigid structure, and the other end is mounted on the forward aerodynamic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: AIRBUS France
    Inventors: Stephane Combes, Laurent Lafont
  • Patent number: 7950604
    Abstract: An engine attachment pylon for an aircraft including an aft engine attachment fitted with an aft attachment body and two lateral brackets each including a longitudinal portion in contact with an inner face of the lateral panel associated with it and mounted fixed on the same inner face, and a transverse portion including an attachment interface for the aft attachment body, the transverse portion configured to pass through a recess formed on the associated lateral panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: AIRBUS France
    Inventors: Stephane Combes, Laurent Lafont
  • Patent number: 7938359
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an airplane having an integrated pylon includes a bypass turbojet and a nacelle. The nacelle has a downstream cylindrical part which is rigid and is attached at its upstream end to an intermediate case of the engine. This downstream cylindrical part also includes a longitudinal beam for attaching rods to secure the engine to the airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Thibaud Jean-Baptiste Guibert, Guillaume Lefort, Marc Patrick Tesniere
  • Patent number: 7931232
    Abstract: A rigid structure of a suspension pylon for an aircraft engine, which is in a shape of a box closed by first and second box side panels. The structure includes inter-rib spaces, each space delimited by two directly consecutive box transverse ribs. For each inter-rib space forming part of a group including at least three arbitrary and directly consecutive inter-rib spaces, a single access opening is provided on the side panels, the openings arranged alternately on the first and second side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Lionel Bernardi, Thierry Huguet
  • Patent number: 7905448
    Abstract: In an annular torsional rigid static component for an aircraft engine, the component includes at least one arrangement for mounting the engine to an aircraft. The mounting arrangement comprises a body formed in a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Sjunnesson, Henrik Karlsson, Mathias Andersson
  • Patent number: 7891604
    Abstract: An engine attachment pylon for an aircraft including an aft engine attachment fitted with an aft attachment body and a first shear pin capable of resisting forces applied along a transverse direction of the pylon. The first pin passes through a lower spar of a rigid structure of the pylon and includes a lower end housed in the aft attachment body. The lower end includes a reaming through which a first pin passes, that also passes through the aft attachment body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: AIRBUS France
    Inventors: Stephane Combes, Laurent Lafont, Stephane Levert
  • Patent number: 7850116
    Abstract: A propulsor apparatus for a mobile platform, for example an aircraft is provided. The propulsor apparatus includes an aerodynamically shaped propeller duct that houses at least a portion of a turboprop engine, and fully houses a propeller driven by the engine. Inside the propeller duct is a circumferential ring that closely surrounds the propeller such that only a small clearance is provided between the outermost tips of the propeller blades and an inner surface of the circumferential ring. The circumferential ring includes sound deadening material that attenuates noise generated by the tip vortices created at the outermost tips of the propeller blades. The propeller duct and circumferential ring are supported by a plurality of structural rods that couple to structure of the mobile platform, for example to the spars within a wing of an aircraft. The apparatus and method significantly reduces the noise associated with a turboprop engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Victor K. Stuhr
  • Patent number: 7815145
    Abstract: A mounting system for use in mounting a gas turbine engine having an engine core to an aircraft comprises an engine support arrangement and front and rear mounting assemblies to mount the engine support arrangement to a casing surrounding the engine core. Each of the front and rear mounting assemblies comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting members to effect the aforesaid mounting of the engine support arrangement to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Peter K Beardsley
  • Patent number: 7806363
    Abstract: An engine mounting assembly for an engine, e.g. a gas turbine engine comprises a plurality of carrying arrangements. Each carrying arrangement comprises a rear load absorbing assembly. Each load absorbing assembly provides a rear mounting point for an engine carrier. Each carrying arrangement further comprises first and second stabilising members extending forwardly from the rear mounting point of the rear load absorbing assembly to first and second spaced forward mounting points for an engine carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Kenneth F Udall, Richard G Stretton
  • Publication number: 20100155566
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing an aircraft engine. A method includes mounting a frame assembly in supported connection with a support member of an associated aircraft. The frame assembly includes a frame member, a movable assembly mounted in movable relationship to the frame member, and a plurality of engine winches mounted in supported connection with the movable member. Each engine winch has an associated engine cable operably connected thereto. The movable assembly is movable between forward and rearward positions. The method further includes supporting the weight of at least a portion of an aircraft engine with the engine cables and moving the movable member relative to the frame member to displace the portion of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Linz
  • Publication number: 20100132378
    Abstract: This invention relates to a force transmission system (50) between a turboprop and an attachment pylon, comprising: a first and a second force transmission device (52a, 52b) each comprising a first hollow cylinder (54) with an axis (56) that will be made parallel to a first force transmission direction, said first cylinder defining a first space (58) full of a fluid (60) and closed off in a sealed manner at its two opposite ends, by a first damping layer (62) that will bear in contact with a bearing element (66) of the turboprop, and by a second damping layer (64) that will bear in contact with a bearing element (68) of the attachment device, said first and second layers possibly being compressed by the pressure of said fluid; and first means (70) of fluid communication between the two spaces (58, 58).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus Operations (Societe Par Actions Simplifiee)
    Inventor: Jacques Hervé MARCHE
  • Patent number: 7708224
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft wing, a fastening arrangement, and an intermediate support. A support structure of a wing (1) comprises transverse wing ribs (7a, 7b), between which an intermediate support (10) is arranged for providing a fastening point for a motor (9). The intermediate support comprises a vertical first side part (15a) and a vertical second side part (15b) which are at a distance from one another and connected to one another at their lower part by means of a horizontal bottom part (16) at least at a fastening lug (11). The lug is supported on the bottom part of the intermediate support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Patria Aerostructures Oy
    Inventors: Antti Aho-Mantila, Pentti Ahtonen, Juha Halme, Lauri Halme, Mikko Hoffrén, Outi Tervala
  • Patent number: 7677493
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft engine assembly (1) including an engine (6) and an engine mounting device (4), the mounting device being designed to be inserted between a wing of the aircraft and the engine, and comprising a rigid structure (8) and means of mounting the engine onto the rigid structure, the mounting means comprising a forward fastener (10) and an aft fastener (12). According to the invention, the aft fastener comprises two aft half-fasteners (12a) that will each resist at least the forces applied along a longitudinal direction (X) of the engine, and the two aft half-fasteners are arranged so that a horizontal plane (P) passing through a longitudinal axis (5) of the engine passes through each of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Lionel Diochon, Samir El Hammami, Julie Le Louvetel-Poilly, Jean-Baptiste Dumas, Nicolas Koenig
  • Publication number: 20100040466
    Abstract: The nacelle (1) comprises an air intake (5) upstream of the turbojet engine (2), a middle section (6) an internal casing (6a) of which is intended to surround a fan (3) of the turbojet engine (2), and a downstream section (7) comprising an external structure (7a)which is rigidly connected to a downstream part of the casing (6a) of the fan (3) so as to support the turbojet engine (2) and has means of attachment to a strut (12) intended to be connected to a fixed structure (13) of an aeroplane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Jerome Collier, Patrice Dhainault, Francois Conte, Nicolas Hillereau, Pierre-Alain Chouard, Guillaume Lefort
  • Publication number: 20090309005
    Abstract: Mounting of gas turbine engines in aircraft requires use of thrust struts associated with mountings. It is important should there be failure that a load path is maintained. Furthermore, on a wing or in-situ inspection is highly desirable with respect to reducing maintenance costs. Of particular concern is failure as a result of cracking both sideways and vertical which may result in loss of all load paths through the mounting. By provision of independent cranks which are associated through crank pivots in apertures of the cranks and then articulation about central pivots provided in apertures and a central element along with pivot association of the struts through pivots created about apertures in the cranks load paths are maintained. By independent provision of the cranks sideways and vertical cracking cannot cause failure in both load paths to the arrangement from the struts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Foster, Michael H. Young
  • Patent number: 7624945
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine assembly for an aircraft comprising a turbojet, a engine mount pylon, and a plurality of engine mounts inserted between the engine mount pylon and the turbojet. According to the invention, the plurality of engine mounts comprises a engine mount (6a) designed so as to uniquely resist forces applied along a direction (Y) transverse to the turbojet, this engine mount (6a) comprising an intermediate fitting (46) assembled onto a first fitting (40) fixed to the pylon through two swivel axes (48) oriented parallel along a vertical direction (Z), and a pin (56) oriented along a longitudinal direction (X) and fixed to the intermediate fitting, the pin being installed on a second fitting (58) fixed to the turbojet, with clearance along the longitudinal direction (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Lionel Diochon, Guillaume Seguin
  • Publication number: 20090278021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular device for removing and installing aircraft power plant components comprising a modular frame (41) as main system of the device, common for every component which is to be installed or removed, this modular frame (41) being assembled in attaching points (2,3) of the pylon lugs of the airframe, and this frame (41) comprising: a forward frame (7), at least two lateral frames (8) and a rear structure (9, 10). The invention also relates to a method for installing such a device for removing and installing aircraft power plant components, and to a method for operating said device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Julio Jimeno De La Torre
  • Patent number: 7607609
    Abstract: A mounting device for an aircraft engine includes a rigid structure and a device for mounting the engine on the rigid structure, the mounting device including a thrust load recovery device with two lateral thrust load recovery rods each having a rear end mounted on a crossbar of the recovery device with a first mechanical connection. At the rear end of each of the two rods, there is also provided a second mechanical connection with play between the rear end and a support fitting integral with the rigid structure. The first mechanical connection is implemented using a pin provided on the crossbar, passing through an orifice provided in the rear end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Stéphane Levert
  • Patent number: 7566029
    Abstract: A suspension for suspending a jet engine on an aircraft strut includes a beam having a platform provided with fasteners for fastening the beam to the aircraft strut and arranged transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the jet engine. The suspension also includes first and second lateral links, the second lateral link being prolonged by a finger housed with clearance in a cavity provided in the beam so as to form a standby safety connection. The suspension further includes a central link. The finger extends between the platform and a pin of the central link in normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sebastien Dron, Thibaut Guibert, Gregory Prudhomme, Marc Patrick Tesniere
  • Publication number: 20090133381
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing failure of a material used in a jet engine, and more particularly to an apparatus that uses one or more model jet engine components made from a material used in a full-size jet engine and desired to be tested. The apparatus permits easy removal and disassembly of a jet engine mounted thereon as well as real-time measurements of run-time parameters. The methods and apparatus provide for predicting and analysing failure by a number of fatigue-related mechanisms including creep, fatigue, crack growth, foreign object damage, fretting, erosion, and stress corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Vextec Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Holmes, Robert G. Tryon, III, John E. Pope, Daniel A. Nasser, Michael Oja, Animesh Dey, Jesse Hamler, Jonathan Brooks, James Tryon
  • Publication number: 20090101787
    Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems involving rotatable annular supports are provided. In this regard, a representative support assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a rotatable member having a first end located about a first annulus; and a stationary member located about a second annulus; the first end of the rotatable member being rotatably coupled with the stationary member, with at least a portion of the first annulus being coextensive with at least a portion of the second annulus, the first end being operative to rotate locally with respect to a corresponding portion of the stationary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: James A. Dierberger
  • Patent number: 7469689
    Abstract: A forced air induction system for use with a powered vehicle is disclosed as including a centrifugal supercharger supported by the vehicle's engine and a recirculating induction coolant system that cools the supercharger and the compressed induction fluid provided by the supercharger. The induction coolant system operates by providing coolant to the supercharger and to an intercooler of the forced air induction system. The supercharger case includes internal passageways for cooling the transmission and compressor. The forced air induction system further includes spacers and radiant heat shields for rejecting heat transferred conductively and radiantly from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jones, Michael A. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20080315064
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the suspending of a turbine engine from the structure of an aircraft using a beam with means of attachment to said structure and at least one link rod articulated via one end to a journal secured to the beam and via the other to a fitting secured to the turbine engine. This suspension is one wherein the journal is mounted on the beam via a flexible coupling formed of two preloaded laminated, elastomer and metal, cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sebastien DRON, Gilles Lucien Fontenoy, Marc Patrick Tesniere
  • Publication number: 20080307795
    Abstract: An exhaust casing hub comprises a hub center (6), and an upstream flange (8) and a downstream flange (10) arranged on either side of the hub center. Each flange is terminated by a rim (12). A plurality of cuffs (14) are arranged on the hub center (6) so as to form an angle from the tangent toward the radial direction of 10° to 80°, preferably 15° to 75°. At least one rib is formed at the base of each cuff (14) below a critical stress region (26) in the cuff. The rib is joined to the downstream flange by a downstream end and to the upstream flange by an upstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Valentine BADER, Laurent Pierre Elysee Gaston Marnas, Nicolas Pommier, Christian Rene Schnell
  • Publication number: 20080296469
    Abstract: A transport system suited for transporting a turbine engine mounted to an engine docking unit is provided. The transport system is capable of adjusting the attitude of the docking unit in at least the lateral and longitudinal directions relative to the engine to facilitate the loading and unloading of the turbine engine to and from the transport system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Mainville, Alessandro Faraci
  • Patent number: 7451947
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting structure (1) for mounting an engine (2) under an aircraft wing (4), the structure comprising a rigid structure (8) and means (10) of fastening this rigid structure under the wing, the mounting means comprising a forward fastener (14), an intermediate fastener (15) and an aft fastener (16). According to the invention, the forward fastener has at least one triangular shackle on each side of a vertical plane passing through a longitudinal axis (5) of the engine (2), placed in a vertical plane oriented along a longitudinal direction (X) of the aircraft. Furthermore, the intermediate fastener comprises a connecting rod capable of transferring forces applied in a direction (Y) transverse to the aircraft, and the aft fastener comprises at least one shackle oriented along a vertical direction (Z) of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Stephane Machado, Jerome Cassagne, Anthony Del Blanco, Yvon Martin, Arnaud Chambreuil
  • Patent number: 7448573
    Abstract: The invention refers to a suspension pylon (4) for an aircraft engine (2), the pylon including a rigid structure (10) forming a box provided with a lower spar (28) and an upper spar (26), and an engine mounting system (11) installed fixed on the structure (10) and in particular including a forward attachment (6) with an attachment body provided with a horizontal fixing surface (40) held in contact with a horizontal fixing surface (38) of the structure (10). According to the invention, the attachment body is arranged such that its horizontal fixing surface (40) is located along a vertical direction (Z) of the pylon, upwards from a forward end (28a) of the lower spar and downwards from a forward end (26a) of the upper spar. Furthermore, the structure (10) includes at least one forward fitting (42a, 42b) making up a forward closing rib (36) of the box, this fitting (42a, 42b) defining said horizontal fixing surface (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Laurent Lafont, Frederic Journade, Christophe Labarthe
  • Patent number: 7445179
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine suspension pylon for an aircraft including a rigid structure provided with a box (24), this pylon also including an engine aft attachment (8) provided with an attachment body (38), and a thrust resistance device (9) generated by the engine. The rigid structure according to the invention includes an offset rib (35) for the attachment body (38), this rib (35) being mounted fixed on the box (24) between the box and the engine (2) and carrying the attachment body. Furthermore, the device (9) includes a thrust resistance spar (9b) of which the forward end is mounted fixed on the rib (35), and the aft end is mounted fixed on the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Lionel Diochon, Frederic Journade, Laurent LaFont, Mickael Sarrato, Alain Razafindrabe
  • Patent number: 7438262
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine mounting arrangement for attaching a gas turbine engine to a support structure, such as a pylon of an aircraft, comprises a main mounting member adapted to interconnect the engine with the pylon and transmit loads therebetween under normal engine operating conditions, and an auxiliary mounting member which is capable of interconnecting the engine with the pylon and transmitting loads therebetween in the event of failure of the main mounting member, the auxiliary mounting member being arranged to be substantially unloaded under normal engine operating conditions. The main mounting member includes a first primary load transmission means for transmitting vertical loads between the engine and the pylon and a second primary load transmission means for transmitting thrust and lateral loads between the engine and the pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc.
    Inventor: Mark Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20080236136
    Abstract: A linkage system includes a pivot bias assembly at each pivot which removes internal clearances and resultant vibratory wear. The pivot bias assembly includes a cavity which defines an axis transverse to the pivot axis. A spring biased piston is located therein to provide a radial load toward the rotation pivot to close radial clearances. The spring loaded piston reduces all the radial internal clearances to zero to reduce vibratory wear created by engine vibratory inputs. An assembly flat is positioned such that the component is assembled in a non-operating angular position such that the spring biased piston is under minimal or no load then the component is rotated into operating position so as to preload the spring biased piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Constantino V. Loffredo
  • Publication number: 20080230675
    Abstract: An aft attachment for an aircraft engine assembly. The attachment has a double boomerang structure including two three-point shackles that are duplicated: only four attachment points are present at the engine mount and two at the engine, the failsafe function being ensured by the dual structure. This attachment design does not sacrifice safety criteria, while providing a more lightweight structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventors: Virginie Audart-Noel, Marc Canadas
  • Publication number: 20080224018
    Abstract: An engine assembly including an engine mount, the engine mount including a rigid structure including a box and a mounting system positioned between the engine and the rigid structure. This mounting system includes an aft attachment. The assembly further includes a thermal protection system for the box, including a preferably ventilated duct forming a heat barrier and extending between the box and the engine. The duct extends rearward beyond the aft engine attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventors: Laurent Lafont, Frederic Journade
  • Publication number: 20080217502
    Abstract: A structure for an aircraft engine assembly suspension pylori. The pylori includes a monolithic frame, manufactured for example by casting or welding, covered with mechanically assembled skins. Advantageously, stiffeners are mechanically fixed to points through which forces are applied. The dual structure makes it possible to take advantage of integration during manufacturing while respecting safety criteria due to mechanical assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventor: Laurent Lafont
  • Publication number: 20080197262
    Abstract: An engine attachment pylon for an aircraft including an aft engine attachment fitted with an aft attachment body and two lateral brackets each including a longitudinal portion in contact with an inner face of the lateral panel associated with it and mounted fixed on the same inner face, and a transverse portion including an attachment interface for the aft attachment body, the transverse portion configured to pass through a recess formed on the associated lateral panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventor: Stephane Combes
  • Patent number: 7121512
    Abstract: A drain, for example for an aircraft engine support strut, arranged on the trailing edge of the rear secondary structure of the strut. The drain includes a conduit with a substantially horizontal axis and a substantially rectangular cross-section, taken in a plane parallel to the trailing edge, the conduit closed at an outer extremity by a terminal portion with a substantially ogival cross-section taken in the axis of the conduit and including at least one opening for drainage with an elongated shape on at least one of the opposing lateral walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Cyril Bonnaud
  • Patent number: 7100869
    Abstract: The carrier structure of the invention is used for carrying a turboprop and it is designed to be mounted beneath and/or in front of an airplane wing. In characteristic manner, the carrier structure comprises: a top portion comprising a front arch, a rear arch, and longitudinal beams; an upwardly-open removable bottom portion comprising at least two bottom arches and longerons; the bottom portion being demountably fixed to the top portion by centering and fixing devices, the bottom and top portions together defining a housing suitable for receiving said turboprop, and a suspension for carrying said turboprop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: SNECMA Moteurs
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Picard, Georges Mazeaud
  • Patent number: 7063290
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting system (1) inserted between an aircraft engine and a rigid structure of an attachment strut, the system particularly comprising a thrust resistance device (20). The thrust resistance device (20) comprises two lateral actuators (30) each provided with a rod (34) in which a forward end (34b) is a piston located inside a chamber (38) of a central casing (22) of the engine, the chamber (38) comprising a forward compartment (40) and an aft compartment (42). Moreover, the thrust resistance device (20) comprises a device (32) including a piston (48) fixed to the forward mount (16) and located inside a chamber (50) fixed to the central casing, the chamber (50) comprising a forward compartment (52) and an aft compartment (54), the forward compartment (52) of the chamber (50) being hydraulically connected to the aft compartments (42) of the actuators (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Hervé Marche
  • Patent number: RE39972
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tailcone and power assembly mountable to the body of an aircraft using a height adjustable dolly. The tailcone assembly comprises a longitudinal support member, a gas turbine engine mounted to the support member; a firewall; two curved rotatable casings hingeably connected to the support member; an inlet duct extending form an aperture in one of the rotatable casings to the engine inlet; an integral exhaust casing, and interface means for making necessary engine accessory connections to the aircraft. The tailcone is installed on the aircraft by mounting the tailcone in the adjustable dolly, rolling the dolly up to the aircraft, adjusting the dolly until the auxiliary power assembly is properly aligned for attachment to the aircraft, connecting the engine accessories to the aircraft, and bolting the assembly to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: AlliedSignal, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Michael Royalty