US 6,328,293 B1Granted

Multi-linkage suspension system including outboard isolators

AssigneeLord Corporation

InventorKirk W. Olsen

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Abstract

A multi-linkage suspension system (20) including isolators (32) positioned at the outboard ends of the linkages (26) for suspending and isolating an engine (22), such as an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), from a structure (24), such as an aircraft fuselage. The system (20) has a plurality of linkages (26) extending from the engine (22) towards the structure (24); each linkages (26) including an inboard (28) and outboard (30) end, a plurality of outboard isolators (32) attached at the outboard ends (30), a bracket (27) for connecting the outboard isolators (32) to the structure (24), a rod end (34), which is preferably elastomeric and includes an elastomer layer (36), for connecting the plurality of linkages (26) to the engine (22). The system (20) is easily tuned and provides for common components and the location of the isolators (32) minimizes direct exposure to heat and aggressive fluids.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A suspension system for supporting an engine relative to a structure comprising a plurality of linkage assemblies extending from the engine towards the structure, each of said plurality of linkage assemblies including;

(a) a slender linkage having an inboard end and an outboard end,
(b) an outboard isolating mount attached at said outboard end, said isolating mount including opposed mounts adapted to be interconnected to the structure, each said opposed mount including elastomer having a sandwich portion and an annular portion extending therefrom and a rigid support member bonded to said elastomer.
(c) a rod end attached at said inboard end, said rod end including a housing, an inner member and an elastomer layer bonded to said inner member but unbonded to said housing,
(d) a bracket adapted for attachment to the engine, and
(e) a clevis member secured to said bracket, said elastomer rod end received by said clevis member for interconnecting said linkage to the engine.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.