Foldable cover for an engine air intake and method of covering an engine air intake

Abstract

An engine air intake cover and a method for covering an engine air intake are provided. The method for covering an engine air intake includes providing a foldable cover comprising a connecting pin defining an axis; a frame comprising interconnected arms; and a mesh. Furthermore, the method includes storing the foldable cover in a stowed configuration in which the arms are aligned. Furthermore, the method includes rotating the arms from the stowed configuration to an operational configuration in which the arms are radially spaced about the axis, surrounding the frame in the operational configuration with the mesh to define an interior volume, and placing the cover over the engine air intake.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field generally relates to engine air intakes, and more specifically to foldable covers for engine air intakes and methods for covering engine air intakes. Background Art

[0002] During operations in cold weather, there are numerous situations where covering the engine intakes of vehicles such as aircraft is recommended. One example is when an aircraft has been stored outdoors for an extended period (i.e., overnight or for several days) and exposed to snow / ice contaminants. A second example is when covering the engine intakes may help retain heat from the recently operated engine core, which can help melt any ice that may have accumulated on the engine fan blades due to icing conditions during recent flights.

[0003] Several types of covers exist for use during these situations. However, currently available covers tend to be difficult to install and may require multiple people and additional equipment. For example, multiple ladders or lifts / stands may be needed to complete the installation / removal process. Often, such equipment is not available at the aircraft's location. Furthermore, currently available covers tend to be bulky and difficult to carry on smaller aircraft. Typically, covers are designed to be positioned inside the air intake, but in front of the engine fan. Such a design does not cover the entire engine air intake, so any ice / snow that may have accumulated inside the intake needs to be additionally cleaned before the engine can be operated. Additionally, some engine covers are designed to rest against a part of the rotating engine turbomachinery. This can be problematic in high-wind conditions, where the engine fan may be rotating while the cover is being installed.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an engine intake cover that is lightweight and can be easily installed by a single pilot using a ladder, is foldable and compact for easy storage, covers the entire engine intake to prevent contaminant intrusion, does not contact any part of the engine fan / nose cone during installation, and is robust enough for prolonged use in operating environments. A method for installing such an engine intake cover is also desirable. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following summary and detailed description, the appended claims, the accompanying drawings, and the foregoing description of the technical field and background art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses various non-limiting embodiments / examples of a foldable cover for an engine air intake and a method for covering an engine air intake.

[0006] In a first non-limiting embodiment, a method of covering an engine air intake is provided. The method includes, but is not limited to, providing a foldable cover comprising a connecting pin defining an axis; a frame including interconnected arms; and a mesh. The method also includes, but is not limited to, storing the foldable cover in a folded configuration in which the arms are aligned. Furthermore, the method includes, but is not limited to, rotating the arms from the folded configuration to an operating configuration in which the arms are radially spaced about an axis. Additionally, the method includes, but is not limited to, surrounding the frame in the operating configuration with the mesh to form a cup having an internal volume, and placing the cover above the engine air intake.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment, a foldable cover for an engine air intake is provided. The foldable cover includes, but is not limited to, a connecting pin defining an axis. Furthermore, the foldable cover includes, but is not limited to, a frame comprising interconnected arms. Each exemplary arm extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and the proximal end of each arm receives or is integral with the connecting pin. Additionally, each arm is rotatable about an axis between a retracted configuration and an operational configuration of the frame, in which the arms are aligned and in the operational configuration, the arms are radially spaced about the axis. The foldable cover also includes, but is not limited to, a mesh configured to surround the top side of the frame in the operational configuration. The exemplary foldable cover forms a cup having an internal volume for receiving the engine air intake.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes, but is not limited to, an engine housing for an engine, wherein the engine housing defines an engine air intake. Additionally, the vehicle surrounds an interior space. Furthermore, the vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a foldable cover for the engine air intake. An exemplary foldable cover includes a connecting pin defining an axis; a frame including interconnected arms rotatable about the axis between a retracted configuration and an operational configuration of the frame, in which the arms are aligned and the foldable cover is retracted within the interior space of the vehicle, and in the operational configuration, the arms are radially spaced about the axis and the engine housing is received within the cover; and a mesh configured to surround the top side of the frame in the operational configuration.

[0009] Other desirable features will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the background art. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Exemplary embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, based on the teachings of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the engine casing;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the engine housing, showing a foldable cover in an operating configuration and mounted above the engine housing air intake, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the frame and pins of the foldable cover, showing the operational configuration in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 Including teachings based on this disclosure Figure 4 The frame and three perspective views of the pin;

[0016] Figure 6 Including those based on the teachings of this disclosure Figure 4 and Figure 5 Front view of each arm of the frame;

[0017] Figure 7 Including teachings based on this disclosure Figure 6 Top view of the proximal end of each arm;

[0018] Figure 8 It is based on the teachings of this publication. Figure 6 Top view of the three selected arms;

[0019] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A front view of the frame of the foldable cover, showing the stowed configuration in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A top view of the frame and pins of the foldable cover, showing its stowed configuration in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure; and

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 A top view of the frame, pins, and web of the foldable cover, showing its operational configuration in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any theories presented in the foregoing background or the following detailed description.

[0023] This article describes a lightweight, foldable cover for engine air intakes that can be easily converted to an operating configuration and installed by a single person without the use of specialized tools. Furthermore, the foldable cover can be folded into a stowed configuration with minimal footprint for easy storage within the internal volume of a vehicle. In use, the foldable cover extends over the entire engine air intake to prevent any precipitation or contaminants from entering the engine housing. Additionally, the foldable cover prevents any wind from entering the engine housing through the air intake, reducing unnecessary rotation of the engine fan.

[0024] A further understanding of the foldable cover and the method of covering the engine air intake discussed above can be obtained by reviewing the illustrations attached to this application and the detailed description below.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle (such as an aircraft like a turbofan jet) is shown and generally designated 10. As shown, the vehicle 10 includes an internal space 12. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 includes a jet engine 14, which is housed within an engine casing 16 (such as an engine nacelle). As shown, the engine casing 16 defines an engine air intake 18 through which the engine 14 draws in air from a free flow during operation.

[0026] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the engine housing 16 is shown. Specifically, only the fan portion of the engine 14 is shown. As shown, the engine 14 includes a nose cone 22 and fan blades 24. As shown, the nose cone 22 of the engine 14 is recessed within the engine housing 16, at a distance 26 from the engine air intake 18. Furthermore, the engine housing 16 is shown having an outer surface 28 forming two openings 29.

[0027] Figure 3 The use of a foldable cover 30 is shown to prevent rainwater or debris from entering the engine air intake 18 when the vehicle 10 is parked. The foldable cover 30 also prevents the turbofan engine 14 from rotating under wind loads.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the illustrated foldable cover 30 includes a connecting pin 40, a frame 50, a mesh 60, and a joining feature 70. Figure 3 In the operation configuration 31, the foldable cover 30 is in the foldable cover 30. As shown, the mesh 60 is configured to surround the top side 51 of the frame 50 in the operation configuration 31.

[0029] In operating configuration 31, the cover 30 is cup-shaped with respect to the axis 41 of the connecting pin 40, and defines an internal volume 35. When the cover 30 is positioned on the engine housing 16, the front portion of the engine housing 16, including the engine air intake 18, is received within the internal volume 35 of the cover 30. Furthermore, when the cover 30 is positioned on the engine housing 16, anchoring or engaging features 70 (such as pins) can be received within corresponding openings 29, as shown, to prevent accidental detachment of the cover 30 from the engine housing 16.

[0030] While the illustrated embodiment includes an engagement feature 70 that engages with an opening 29 in the engine housing 16, alternative or additional engagement features 70 may be provided for securing the cover 30 to the engine housing 16. For example, an engagement feature 70 such as a strap may attach the cover 30 to the rear of the engine housing 16. Both types of engagement features 70 can be used to provide additional safety in the face of strong winds or other adverse conditions.

[0031] As shown in the figure, when the cover 30 is positioned on the engine housing 16, no part of the cover 30 contacts or comes into contact with the nose cone 22 or the fan blades 24, to prevent accidental contact and possible damage to the nose cone 22 or the fan blades 24. This design allows the cover 30 to be mounted on the engine housing 16, although internal engine components may still rotate due to external wind forces. Other cover types that rest on the engine nose cone may not provide this capability.

[0032] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connecting pin 40 and frame 50 in operating configuration 31 are shown, with the mesh removed for clarity. Figure 4 A view of the top side 51 of frame 50 is provided, taken along axis 41. Figure 5 Three perspective views of the connecting pin 40 and frame 50 in the operation configuration are provided.

[0033] like Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the frame 50 is formed by a plurality of interconnected arms 100. While any suitable number of arms 100 can be used, the illustrated embodiment of the frame 50 includes eight arms 101-108. As shown, the arms 100 are radially spaced about axis 41. In an exemplary embodiment, the arms 100 are equidistant such that for each pair of adjacent arms 100, an angle of approximately 45 degrees is formed.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the arms 100 are designed to lock themselves into place at the desired radial spacing or to strike a stop at the desired radial spacing, thereby simplifying deployment from the user's perspective. In other embodiments, see reference below. Figure 11As described above, when the distal end of arm 100 is sewn into a mesh, the mesh may be sufficient to deploy the arm at the desired radial spacing.

[0035] Still refer to Figures 4 to 5 The frame 50 may include an even or odd number of arms 100. Because the engine housing 16 typically has an elliptical rather than circular cross-section, the lengths of the individual arms will differ in the respective radial directions to compensate for the non-circular cross-section of the engine housing 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 50 includes an even number of arms 100, and when the frame is in operating configuration 31, each arm 100 is collinear or parallel to its corresponding opposite arm. Figure 4 In this configuration, the paired opposing arms 100 include arms 101 and 105, arms 102 and 106, arms 103 and 107, and arms 104 and 108. The combined length of the paired opposing arms 100 is indicated by reference numeral 109. Due to the non-circular cross-section of the engine housing 16, the combined length 109 of the paired opposing arms 100 (such as arms 101 and 105, arms 102 and 106, arms 103 and 107, and arms 104 and 108) may differ in the respective radial directions.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the paired opposing arms 103 and 107 are configured to engage with the engine housing in order to anchor the foldable cover to the engine housing when in operating configuration 31. Specifically, arms 103 and 107 include engagement features 70 for engaging with the engine housing.

[0037] Figure 6 A front view of each arm 100 is provided, disconnected from the frame for clarity. As shown, each arm 100 has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 112. At the proximal end 110, each arm 100 forms an annular or cylindrical portion 114, which is centered on the axis 41 of a pin when assembled into the frame 50. Connected to the cylindrical portion 114 is a planar portion 116 extending to the distal end 112.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 7 A top view of the cylindrical portion 114 and a portion of the planar portion 116 of each arm 100 is provided, showing the orientation of each arm 100 relative to the operational configuration. Specifically, each arm 100 is rotated 45 degrees from the previous arm 100. Furthermore, Figure 7The planar portion 116 is shown to be connected to the cylindrical portion 114 at different locations on the circumference of the cylindrical portion 114. For example, for arms 101 and 108, the planar portion 116 is tangentially connected to the cylindrical portion 114 at opposite ends. Arms 104 and 105 have the planar portion 116 connected to the cylindrical portion 114 almost aligned with the axis. Arms 102, 103, 106, and 107 have connection points that step from arm 101 to arm 104 and from arm 105 to arm 108, respectively.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, each arm 100 can be designed differently to provide movement between an operating configuration and a retracted configuration. Therefore, each arm can have a unique maximum height 120 in a direction parallel to axis 41. Furthermore, in some embodiments, certain arms 100 can be selected for engagement with the engine housing. Figures 3 to 7 Arms 103 and 107 are provided for engagement with the engine housing. Therefore, arms 103 and 107 can have a maximum height 120, which is greater than the maximum height of the other arms 100. Furthermore, engagement features 70 are provided at the distal ends 112 of arms 103 and 107. Engagement features 70 can be pins or extensions extending toward axis 41 for engagement with corresponding openings in the housing. As described above, in some embodiments, engagement features 70 may additionally or alternatively include straps for attaching a cover to the engine housing.

[0040] Figure 8 Top views of arms 101, 103, and 107 are provided. Arm 101 is shown as representing arms 102, 104, 105, 106, and 108. For each of arms 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, and 108, the arm includes only a planar portion 116 extending from the cylindrical portion 114 to the distal end 112. For arms 103 and 107, engagement feature 70 is... Figure 8 The hook-like feature is more clearly shown engaging with the engine housing. This design is just one possibility for engagement between the cover and the engine housing. For example, in some embodiments, engagement feature 70 may include a pin receiver assembly, and a separate pin may pass through the pin receiver assembly and enter the engine housing. Other suitable engagement features are conceivable.

[0041] Figure 8 Each arm 100 is shown to have a length 122 in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Typically, the engine housing has an elliptical rather than circular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the length 122 of the arms 100 can vary to provide a fit above the engine housing.

[0042] Figure 9 and Figure 10The frame 50 and connecting pin 40 are shown in the retracted configuration 32 of the cover 30. Figure 9 It is a side view, and Figure 10 It's a top view. For example... Figure 10 As shown, due to the offset connection between the planar portion 116 and the corresponding cylindrical portion 114 discussed above, the planar portions 116 of the arm 100 are aligned and parallel to each other in the collapsed configuration 32. In the collapsed configuration 32, the arms 100 define a stack, wherein the planar portions of the arms are substantially parallel. Figure 9 and Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the arm 100 may have a cutout 118 near the proximal end 110 to allow the arm 100 to rotate unimpeded about the axis 41.

[0043] As from Figure 9 As can be understood, frame 50 includes a longest arm with a maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the axis. In the retracted configuration, frame 50 has a length equal to the maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the axis. Furthermore, frame 50 includes a highest arm with a maximum height in the direction parallel to the axis. In the retracted configuration, frame 50 has a height equal to the maximum height in the direction parallel to the axis.

[0044] refer to Figure 11 It describes the details of the mesh 60. Figure 11 A top view of the cover 30 in operating configuration 31 is provided, wherein the mesh 60 is taut above the frame 50 (partially visible through the mesh 60). The exemplary mesh 60 is flexible, thin, lightweight, and impermeable. For example, the mesh 60 may be fabric, foil, or other flexible substrate. The exemplary mesh 60 is waterproof. Furthermore, the exemplary mesh 60 may be lined with neoprene to prevent damage to the engine air intake when the cover is installed. If the mesh 60 is fabric or otherwise includes pores, the mesh 60 should have relatively closed pores sufficient to prevent rainwater or small debris from passing through.

[0045] As shown, the mesh 60 includes a sleeve 61 for receiving the distal end of each corresponding arm in the frame 50. The distal end of the arm can be sewn into the sleeve 61, or can be friction-fitted therein to prevent unintended disengagement. (Cross Reference) Figure 11 and Figure 3 Note that the mesh 60 includes a generally elliptical central portion 62 having an outer peripheral edge 63. Furthermore, the mesh 60 includes a downwardly extending portion 64 (in... Figure 3 (As shown in the figure), sleeve 61 is positioned along this portion.

[0046] Furthermore, the mesh 60 is provided with a closing mechanism 65 to tighten the mesh 60 after the arm rotates to the operating configuration 31. For example, as Figure 11As shown, the mesh 60 can be slit, which can be used as a zipper seal for the closing mechanism 65. To avoid damage to the engine housing, the closing mechanism 65 can be provided with a baffle or other structure, which is located on the vehicle side of the closing mechanism 65 during use.

[0047] Given Figures 1 to 11 A method for covering the engine air intake is considered. In this method, the foldable cover 30 in the stowed configuration 32 can be stored within the internal space 12 of the vehicle 10. When needed, the pilot or other user can remove and carry the foldable cover 30 from the internal space 12 of the vehicle 10 to the engine housing.

[0048] The user can rotate the arm 100 from the retracted configuration 32 to the operating configuration 31 about axis 41, in which the arms are radially spaced about axis 41. The user can surround the frame 50 in the operating configuration 31 with a mesh 60 to form a cup with an internal volume 35. Surrounding the frame 50 with the mesh 60 may include a closing mechanism 65 to tighten the mesh 60. The user can place the cover 30 over the engine air intake 18 such that a portion of the engine housing 16 is received within the internal volume 35 of the cover 30. Furthermore, the user can bind or secure the cover 30 to the engine housing 16 by inserting engagement features 70 from one or more arms 100 into one or more openings 29 in the outer surface 28 of the engine housing 16. In other words, the user can engage the distal end 112 of a selected arm 100 with the outer surface 28 of the engine housing 16.

[0049] To unload the cover 30, the user can disengage the engagement feature 70 from the engine housing 16, including the disengagement pin and / or strap or other engagement feature, and remove the cover 30 from the engine housing 16. The user can open the closing mechanism 65 to loosen the mesh 60 and release tension from the frame 50 in the operating configuration 32. The user can rotate the arm 100 back to the retracted configuration 32 and carry the cover 32 into the interior space of the vehicle for storage.

[0050] It should be noted that although the embodiments have been described in which the connecting pin 40 and the frame 50 are independent structures, i.e., the connecting pin 40 is separate from the frame 50, it is conceivable that the connecting pin 40 may be formed by the feature of the arms of the frame 50 being assembled together, i.e., the connecting pin 40 is part of the frame 50.

[0051] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for covering an engine having a nose cone and an engine intake surrounded by an engine housing having an outer surface, the method comprising: A foldable cover is provided, which includes a connecting pin defining an axis; The frame includes interconnected arms; and mesh; The foldable cover is stored in a stowed configuration, in which the arms are aligned and each arm has a length extending perpendicular to the axis. The arms are rotated relative to the axis from the retracted configuration to the operating configuration, in which the arms are radially spaced about the axis and each arm remains perpendicular to the axis. The frame in the operating configuration is surrounded by the mesh to define the internal volume; The cover is placed above the engine air intake, wherein the engine housing is received within the internal volume; as well as The frame is secured to the outer surface of the engine housing, wherein the cover does not contact the nose cone.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a first distal pin located at the distal end of a first selected arm, and wherein securing the frame to the outer surface of the engine housing comprises engaging the first distal pin with the outer surface of the engine housing.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Each arm includes a cylindrical portion located at its proximal end, wherein the cylindrical portion is centered on the axis; Each arm includes a planar portion that is connected to the cylindrical portion and extends away from the cylindrical portion; The interconnected arms include a first arm and a last arm; For the first arm, the planar portion is connected to the cylindrical portion on one side in the direction of the axis; For the last arm, the planar portion is connected to the cylindrical portion on the opposite side of the axial direction; as well as For each arm between the first arm and the last arm, the planar portion is connected to the cylindrical portion at a selected location between one side and the other side.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the frame to the outer surface of the engine housing comprises securing the distal end of a selected arm to the outer surface of the engine housing.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer surface has a first opening and a second opening on the opposite side of the engine housing, and wherein securing the frame to the engine housing comprises engaging a first distal pin on the distal end of a first selected arm with the first opening and engaging a second distal pin on the distal end of a second selected arm with the second opening.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Remove the foldable cover from the engine air intake; Loosen the mesh; as well as The arm is rotated about the axis from the operating configuration to the retracted configuration, wherein the arm remains perpendicular as it rotates about the axis.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the mesh has radially extending slits, and wherein surrounding the frame in the operating configuration with the mesh to define an internal volume includes tightening the mesh by closing the slits using a closing mechanism.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Each arm has a top edge, and the top edge of the arm defines a plane perpendicular to the axis in the operating configuration.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein each arm extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein each arm includes a planar portion connected to the cylindrical portion, wherein the planar portion of each arm includes a surface forming a plane parallel to the axis, wherein the cylindrical portion is located at the proximal end and centered on the axis, and wherein in the retracted configuration, the arms define a stack in which the planar portions of the arms are stacked on top of each other and are parallel, such that the surface of the first arm defines a first plane tangent to the corresponding cylindrical portion, and wherein all the surfaces are parallel to each other and are not coplanar.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein each arm has a top edge perpendicular to the corresponding face, and wherein the top edge of the arm defines a plane perpendicular to the axis in the operating configuration.

11. A foldable cover for an engine housing, the engine housing having an engine air intake leading to an engine having a nose cone, the cover comprising: Connecting pins that define the axis; A frame comprising interconnected arms, wherein each arm extends from a proximal end to a distal end in a radially outward direction perpendicular to the axis, wherein the proximal end of each arm receives or is integral with the connecting pin, wherein each arm is rotatable about the axis between a retracted configuration and an operational configuration of the frame, wherein in the retracted configuration the arms are aligned, and in the operational configuration the arms are radially spaced about the axis, and wherein each arm remains perpendicular to the axis during rotation about the axis in the retracted configuration, in the operational configuration, and between the retracted configuration and the operational configuration; as well as A mesh is configured to surround the top side of the frame in the operating configuration, wherein the foldable cover forms a cup having an internal volume for receiving the engine housing; In the aforementioned operating configuration, the cover is configured to be mounted on the outer surface of the engine housing, and the cover does not contact the nose cone.

12. The foldable cover of claim 11, wherein the frame includes a first distal pin provided at the distal end of a first selected arm and a second distal pin provided at the distal end of a second selected arm.

13. The foldable cover of claim 11, wherein each arm includes a planar portion connected to a cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical portion is located at the proximal end and centered on the axis, wherein the cylindrical portions are stacked in an axial direction, and wherein in the folded configuration, the planar portions of the arms are stacked in a direction perpendicular to a radial plane defined by the axis and are parallel to each other, wherein the radial plane is parallel to the direction in which the arms extend from the proximal end to the distal end.

14. The foldable cover of claim 13, wherein each arm includes a front side parallel to the radial plane defined by the axis, a back side parallel to the front side, and a top edge connecting the front side and the back side to each other, and wherein the top edge of the arm defines a top plane perpendicular to the axis in the operating configuration.

15. The foldable cover according to claim 11, wherein: Each arm has a height in the direction of the axis; Two selected arms are configured to be mounted to the engine housing to anchor the foldable cover to the engine housing when in the operating configuration; as well as The height of each of the two arms is greater than the height of the other arm.

16. The foldable cover of claim 11, wherein at least one distal pin is completely contained within the internal volume.

17. The foldable cover of claim 14, wherein the planar portion of at least one arm includes a cutout such that the top edge of the at least one arm is spaced apart from the cylindrical portion of the at least one arm in the axial direction.

18. A vehicle comprising: An engine housing for an engine having a nose cone, wherein the engine housing defines an engine air intake. Interior space; as well as A foldable cover for the engine air intake, the cover comprising: Connecting pins that define the axis; A frame comprising interconnected arms, wherein each arm extends radially from a proximal end to a distal end perpendicular to the axis, and wherein each arm extends axially downward toward the corresponding distal end toward the bottom edge; The arm is rotatable about the axis between a retracted configuration and an operational configuration of the frame. In the retracted configuration, the arm is aligned and the foldable cover is retracted within the interior space of the vehicle. In the operational configuration, the arm is radially spaced about the axis, and in the operational configuration, the bottom edge of the arm defines a bottom plane perpendicular to the axis, wherein a covering volume is defined between the bottom plane and the arm, and in the operational configuration, the engine housing is received within the covering volume; wherein in the operational configuration, the foldable cover is mechanically secured to the outside of the engine housing; and wherein in the operational configuration, no part of the foldable cover contacts the nose cone; and A mesh is configured to surround the top side of the frame in the operational configuration.

19. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein in the operating configuration, the foldable cover is mechanically secured to the outside of the engine housing by pins provided to selected interconnected arms.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein after the frame is secured to the outer surface of the engine housing, the cover contacts the engine housing or the engine only at the outer surface of the engine housing.

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