Collapsible cowl structure for gas-turbine engine strut
US4474346A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 1982 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D29/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aircraft gas-turbine engines (10) are often mounted and supported by strut type structures (12) which contain fuel, oil, electrical and hydraulic engine supply lines. The engine fan (18) is surrounded by a belt (24) made of tough flexible material designed to restrict travel of broken fan blade pieces, ingested objects or other debris (20). The forward strut section (12), adjacent the belt (24), is located outside of the maximum belt deflection envelope (26) except for the engine right and left cowl hinges (62 and 64) and its support structure (30), which structure (30) is made collapsible. This collapsible cowl hinge structure (30) utilizes mechanical fuse connections (68) which upon a dislocation force from the belt (24) allows the structure (30) to disconnect from the strut support structure (12). The collapsible cowl hinge structure (30) will successively move outwards and return, without severe damage to strut, cowl, strut fairing or supply lines (50 and 52) in the event debris ( 20) hits the belt (24) adjacent the forward strut portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.