Methods and apparatus for supporting engines and nacelles relative to aircraft wings

US9505499B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Jack W. Mauldin · Mill Creek, US
• David W. Kwok · La Mirada, US
• John A. Weidler · Lynnwood, US
• Antonio B. Gonzales · Cypress, US
• Edward L. Lawson · Long Beach, US
• Andrew C. Kulak · Hartford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 2015
• Grant date: Nov 29, 2016
• Expiry date: Oct 30, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/40
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for supporting engines and nacelles relative to aircraft wings are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a nacelle; a first support structure coupled between a wing and a first side of the nacelle along a thrust axis of an engine; a second support structure coupled between the wing and a second side of the nacelle along the thrust axis, the first support structure spaced apart from the second support structure on the wing, a longitudinal plane to extend through the first support structure, the second support structure, and the thrust axis, the first support structure to be rigidly fixed relative to the wing to substantially prevent movement of the engine by the first support structure, the second support structure to be rigidly fixed relative to the wing to substantially prevent movement of the engine by the second support structure, the first and second support structures to be coupled to opposite sides of the engine to enable thrust loads to be reacted through the first and second support structures to the wing.