US 4,821,980 A · Vibration isolating engine mount

Abstract

A strut for mounting an engine and isolating the vibration of the engine from the framework of an aircraft to which it is attached. An engine mounting strut (32) includes a forward spar (40), which extends outwardly from a rib (34) of an aircraft (20). An aft spar (62) similarly extends outward from a rib (38) and is pivotally connected to a box beam (42) in a vibration isolation mount (78). The pivotal axis of mount (78) is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the box beam. A vibration isolation arm (44) extends from a pivotal connection (82) having an axis generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the box beam and is connected to the forward spar at two spaced-apart vibration isolation mounts (46 and 84). The spars are enclosed with an aerodynamic skin (56) forming a torque box 48, to which are attached forward and aft fairings (58).

Claims23

Dependent claims

Apparatus for mounting an engine assembly to an aircraft comprising:

a beam extending adjacent the engine assembly, generally parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof;
a first spar, connected at one end to a structural framework of the aircraft, the other end extending outwardly therefrom toward the beam;
a second spar, connected at one end to the structural framework of the aircraft, the other end extending outwardly therefrom to pivotally connect to the beam about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engine assembly;
a vibration isolation arm, pivotally connected to the beam about an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the engine assembly, the vibration isolation arm extending generally parallel to the first spar and resiliently attached thereto at a plurality of spaced apart points;
and
an enclosing skin covering the first and second spars and the vibration isolation arm, and extending between the structural framework of the aircraft and the engine assembly, to define a generally streamlined strut.

3 more elements

On an aircraft, a strut assembly for aerodynamically mounting an engine assembly to the frame of the aircraft and distributing a plurality of forces acting on the engine assembly through the strut assembly over a substantial lengthwise extent of the engine assembly, while providing vibration isolation between an engine carried in the engine assembly and a frame of the aircraft, comprising:

beam means disposed within the engine assembly, along a side thereof, and extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the engine assembly, for transferring a thrust force from the engine to the aircraft and for detachably connecting the engine assembly to the strut assembly, the beam means being further operative to distribute forces acting on the engine assembly over its lengthwise extent;
a moment arm having an inner end connected to and supported by the aircraft frame and an outer end extending outwardly from the aircraft frame toward the beam means, but not rigidly connected thereto;
a longitudinal support arm having an inner end connected to and supported by the aircraft frame and an outer end terminating in a pivotal connection to the beam means at a point that is disposed substantially closer to a center of gravity of the engine assembly than is the outer end of the moment arm, an axis of rotation of the pivotal connection being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engine assembly;
first vibration isolating means disposed with the pivotal connection of the longitudinal support arm, for absorbing vibration;
an isolator arm having an end pivotally connected to the beam means about an axis of rotation that is substantially transverse to that of the pivotal connection of the support arm, and an end extending outwardly from the engine assembly, generally in alignment with the moment arm and adjacent thereto;
second vibration isolating means for resiliently connecting the isolator arm to the moment arm at a plurality of spaced apart points;
and
means for aerodynamically enclosing the moment arm, the support arm, and the isolator arm.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vibration isolating engine mount

Life of this patent

Vibration isolating engine mount

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23