BirdStrike Preventer

Abstract

The present invention is a 'bird collision prevention device' that utilizes airflow through fluid dynamics and is mounted on the front of an aircraft engine, and is composed of the following important elements. The device, composed of a hole-cone (2) and a frame (5), is characterized by using the airflow generated during aircraft operation to push birds away from the engine to prevent collisions, and by reducing induced drag through a winglet function to ensure safe operation. As a result, there is a significant economic effect in reducing economic losses caused by bird collisions, such as engine damage, flight delays, and repair costs. ㆍ Hole-Cone: The front of the cone (2) has a large hole and is cone-shaped, and is mounted on the front of the aircraft engine. The slanted surface of the cone performs the function of dispersing airflow and generates a wake, causing the air to be pushed outward. The amount of airflow pushed outward (force) is proportional to the aircraft speed and is converted into a powerful force that pushes away birds or foreign objects at the speed of takeoff and landing, preventing collision with the engine. ㆍ Frame: The frame (5) supporting the cone more efficiently fixes the shape of the cone. The curved shape of the frame provides the effect of reducing induced drag and smoothly disperses the airflow to form an airflow of a given intensity. A fin is installed in the middle of the frame and at the part where the cone (2) is joined, which serves to reduce vortices. The curved frame (3-1) can be operated more effectively as increasing the curvature generates a large amount of airflow. The streamlined fin (7) and the wide frame panel (3) have the characteristic of acting as winglets that control the airflow and efficiently mitigate air vortices. ㆍ Winglet: The combined structure (3) of the cone and the frame acts as a winglet, reducing induced drag generated by the cone, increasing fuel efficiency, and helping the aircraft fly stably. The frame of the part (3) where the cone is joined is designed with a wide curve and has protruding streamlined fins (7) arranged thereon. This increases fuel efficiency and improves stability during flight. The winglet controls the airflow more efficiently and contributes significantly to the stability of the aircraft. The invention relates to a collision avoidance device in which the airflow generated during flight between the inclined surface of the cone and the frame is converted into a pushing force, thereby maximizing the role of pushing birds and foreign objects away from the engine. • Material: The cone and frame (Fig. 2, Fig. 7) are characterized by their ability to prevent physical collisions on their own. They are manufactured using lightweight, high-strength materials such as titanium, aluminum, and composite materials. These materials minimize the weight of the device and minimize the impact on the aircraft's performance. Additionally, the device possesses durability capable of withstanding external impacts, making it suitable for long-term operation. When constructed with these materials, the device and all components for mounting can be configured with a weight of 80 kg to 200 kg, depending on the size of the aircraft engine. The auxiliary frame (4), located in the middle of the device, increases the bonding strength of each frame and also has an airflow that pushes outward, allowing it to protect the engine from external impacts on its own. • Air intake volume: The air intake volume is corrected through the rim-frame (Fig. 3). When viewed from the front (Fig. 4), if the combined area ratio of the cone and the frame is configured to be 18% of the area of ​​the engine intake, it affects the air intake volume; however, this can be corrected by widening the diameter of the engine body. Although the structure of the device can affect the air intake into the engine, the intake volume is optimized by mounting a rim-frame on the engine body to correct this. This additional device facilitates airflow and has the characteristic of minimizing the impact on engine performance.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure that prevents collisions with objects using fluid dynamics, and more specifically, to a device that prevents collisions with foreign objects, such as birds, by utilizing airflow when mounted on the front of an aircraft engine.

[0002] The aircraft is flown with a cone-shaped orifice and a frame securing it mounted on the front of the engine. The cone is designed as a device that prevents the ingress and collision of birds and foreign objects into the engine by dispersing airflow along an inclined surface and generating a powerful force that pushes outward from the center. The inclined frame effectively controls the airflow generated during flight through winglet action, and the pushing force generated thereby structurally maximizes the role of pushing birds and foreign objects away from the engine. This relates to a collision prevention device.

[0003] Utilizing these fluid dynamics, a new concept device is constructed by mounting a cone-shaped opening and a frame on the front of an aircraft engine to actively prevent bird strikes. Any object that comes into contact with a fluid generates resistance and creates a wake depending on its shape. Generally, circulators or electric fans are good examples of this. A powerful circulator has enough force to lift a person. This is the airflow generated by the circulator blades, which is eventually converted into physical force. Background Technology

[0004] Bird strikes during aircraft operation are a serious problem that causes engine damage, impedees safe flight operations, and results in casualties and economic losses.

[0005] • Composition: The present invention consists of a hole-cone and a frame. When an aircraft flies, the size of the cone itself and its slanted surface generate a physical force of air, namely a pushing force. Since the frame securing the cone also possesses its own physical force and the force of the pushing airflow, the amount of impact transmitted to the engine can be minimized even if birds collide, and the probability of debris being sucked into the engine can be reduced. Furthermore, in cases where hail forms due to heavy rain or rapid temperature changes in cold weather and entangles to increase in volume, this is also dispersed and removed by the airflow (force) generated by the cone and the frame. This effectively prevents various potential collisions and worst-case scenarios in advance. Since symmetrical airflow is generated depending on the number of frames, the aircraft's own wake is suppressed, controlling vertical and horizontal shaking and contributing to safe flight. Safe flight is possible even in turbulence, and the invention can prevent and avoid collisions with various foreign objects, hail, heavy rain, and birds, which is its original purpose.

[0007] • Drag: Although wake vortices may occur between the cone and the frame, they are dampened by placing protruding fins shaped like fish dorsal fins between the frames. The space between the frames is widened with a curve to connect to the cone and act as winglets, further counteracting induced drag. These fins and curved frames additionally prevent bird strikes and increase the structural strength. In the case of propeller aircraft, the spiral structure forms a complex flow pattern called prop wash, which is a hindrance, and since jet aircraft wings generate wing drag, winglets are installed at the wingtips to reduce this drag.

[0009] • Structure: The front part of the cone has a circular opening 1 / 8 the size of the aircraft engine diameter so as not to obstruct the airflow required by the engine. The cone is inclined at approximately 25 degrees relative to the horizontal, and when viewed from the front, if the total surface area of ​​the entire structure of the invention is configured to be 18% of the surface area of ​​the engine intake, the air intake is reduced. To increase the air intake, a larger amount of air can be drawn in by making the diameter 10% larger than the engine bore and attaching a cylindrical rim-frame with the same height as the cone opening diameter to the engine fuselage. If all parts are constructed from titanium and aluminum, which have strong properties, production can begin from 80 kg for small engines, depending on the size of the aircraft engine.

[0011] ㆍ Current Situation: Existing bird strike prevention measures primarily focus on repelling or avoiding birds around airports; however, this cannot be a fundamental solution and is also excessively costly. The problems with existing technologies include:

[0012] - Limitations of bird control methods around airports: Due to the high mobility of birds, control measures are temporary and can also cause environmental problems.

[0013] - High Cost: Enormous expenses are incurred for bird detection systems, deterrent equipment, and personnel operations.

[0014] - Potential for accidents: Existing methods cannot completely prevent bird collisions and can cause serious damage if an accident occurs.

[0015] As another method, there is a plan to attach a grid-shaped structure to the front of the engine as described in KR10167831B1 disclosed on 2016-11-20, but the grid-shaped structure obstructs airflow and can cause more severe resistance if foreign matter gets caught in the grid, which can obstruct engine air intake and lead to a dangerous situation. On the other hand, the present invention solves these problems by pushing out foreign matter and birds with a strong airflow. The problem to be solved

[0017] We aim to solve the problems of existing technology and achieve the following objectives.

[0018] ㆍ Providing effective and active devices to prevent bird collisions

[0019] ㆍ Ensuring safe aircraft operations and minimizing casualties

[0020] ㆍ Reduction of economic losses due to bird collisions

[0021] Addressing the shortcomings of existing bird collision prevention systems

[0023] The present invention solves the above problem through the following technical features.

[0024] ㆍ Cone shape: A cone-shaped opening is installed on the front of the aircraft engine to disperse the airflow and generate a force that pushes outward from the center.

[0025] ㆍ Frame Structure: The frame supporting the cone plays a role in controlling airflow more effectively and increasing structural strength. Fin-shaped pins are placed between the frames to reduce vortices, and the frames themselves are designed in a curved shape to counteract induced drag, thereby helping the aircraft fly stably.

[0026] ㆍ Air intake correction: The air intake that may be reduced due to the installation of the cone is corrected by additionally installing a rim frame on the engine body.

[0027] ㆍ Materials: Lightweight, high-strength materials such as titanium and aluminum are used to minimize the weight of the device and minimize the impact on aircraft operation.

[0029] • Damage Situation: Although the takeoff and landing speeds of an aircraft are approximately 270 to 350 km / h—relatively lower than during actual high-altitude flight—a collision with a 900-gram mallard duck while taking off or landing at 300 km / h results in an impact force of 4.8 tons. In the case of large birds such as geese or eagles weighing 7 kg, the impact force reaches 15.6 tons, causing serious engine failure. The change in momentum of an object, which is proportional to its mass and speed, acts directly as the impact force, causing fatal damage to the engine blades. Since aircraft often utilize headwinds during takeoff and landing, the likelihood of collision with birds utilizing tailwinds increases. In particular, due to global warming, the seasonal migration of migratory birds has become more frequent than before, further increasing the risk of collision with aircraft.

[0030] 90% of bird strikes occur within 1.3 km of the altitude, and the location with the highest frequency in the country is Gimhae Airport, with 147 incidents recorded over the six years up to August 2024 (SBS News). However, considering the number of flights at Gimpo Airport (750,000) and Jeju Airport (920,000), the frequency at Gimhae Airport (420,000) could be estimated at 300 incidents, which is more than double.

[0031] The accident at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, which claimed 181 lives, was also revealed to be a bird strike, urgently requiring preventive measures and devices. Referring to global bird strike damage statistics, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) report recorded a total of 97,751 incidents across 196 countries from 2008 to 2015, while the number of bird strikes surged to 273,000 from 2016 to 2021 – Chosun Ilbo. Furthermore, a report by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that collisions with wildlife increased to 19,367 in 2023, with 18,394 of these (94%) involving birds. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimated the annual damage caused by bird strikes in the United States at approximately 580 billion won (400 million dollars), while damage to commercial aircraft worldwide is estimated to reach up to 1.2 billion dollars. — Wikipedia. Bird strike incidents are also increasing in South Korea. Over the past five years (2019 to the first half of 2024), a total of 623 bird strikes occurred at domestic airports, showing a steady upward trend from 108 cases in 2019 to 152 cases in 2023. Yonhap News.

[0032] The UK's Central Scientific Laboratory (CSL) estimated in 2014 that annual global damage amounts to approximately 1.75 trillion won (1.2 billion dollars). Airports and airlines are taking various measures to prevent bird strikes, and the associated costs are substantial. Prevention costs include the introduction of bird detection and deterrence systems, management of the airport environment, and training of pilots and staff. However, accurate statistics on the total global cost of these preventive measures are currently lacking. Although efforts are being made to reduce damage caused by bird strikes through continuous research and investment, the effectiveness remains minimal. Current preventive measures and technologies include: a) Bird detection systems: methods that monitor bird activity around airports using radar and AI-based systems to detect and notify of risks in advance; b) Bird deterrence equipment: methods that utilize sound, light, drones, etc., to lure birds away from the airport; and c) Environmental management: efforts to minimize bird access through habitat management around airports. means of solving the problem

[0034] When an aircraft flies, the air striking the cone and frame structures generates an outward force, which can prevent birds or foreign objects from approaching the engine. The structure itself has this function and is a device characterized by protecting the engine by minimizing the amount of impact transmitted to the engine in the event of a bird strike.

[0035] The present invention aims to ensure safety by preventing collisions with birds during aircraft operation, and to minimize resulting economic losses and casualties.

[0036] If there is no way to prevent flying birds from flying, the only solution currently practiced is to prevent them from approaching aircraft, which is limited to ground-based measures. However, various methods involving existing equipment and personnel are highly inefficient and costly. When birds approach the engine of an aircraft in flight, the most effective solution is to push them away and bounce them off with a strong airflow. A device capable of pushing them away with force (wind) is installed at the front of the engine to protect the engine and ensure safe flight. Effects of the invention

[0038] The bird collision prevention device according to the present invention has the following effects. While most existing bird collision prevention devices relied on temporary deterrent methods, the present invention is differentiated as an active prevention device that is mounted on the front of an aircraft engine and actively utilizes the airflow generated during flight to prevent collisions between birds and foreign objects.

[0039] ㆍ Bird collision prevention effect: The airflow (force) created by the cone and frame structure pushes birds away from the engine, effectively preventing collisions.

[0040] ㆍ Guarantee of safe flight: Reducing the risk of bird strikes ensures the safe operation of the aircraft and protects the safety of passengers. When the bird strike preventer of the present invention is mounted on the front of the aircraft engine and the aircraft flies, obstacles such as bird strikes and foreign substances such as heavy rain and hail are removed in advance, thereby ensuring safe flight, protecting passengers, and saving lives and property.

[0041] • Economic Benefits: Economic losses caused by bird strikes, such as engine damage, flight delays, and repair costs, can be reduced. Enormous manpower is wasted on preventing bird strikes, and operating existing prevention systems incurs massive costs. It is heartbreaking that there is such great loss of life for humanity resulting from accidents caused by inadequate preventive measures or equipment failures. The recent Jeju Air accident at Muan International Airport in Jeolla Province, which claimed 181 lives, is a prime example. To prevent bird strikes, numerous airports and airlines around the world are taking various measures at great expense. Prevention costs include the introduction of bird detection and deterrence systems, management of the airport environment, and training of pilots and staff; however, the global manpower consumption for these preventive measures and the total expenses incurred by airlines and airports are so massive that it is impossible to even compile accurate statistics.

[0042] • Improved Aircraft Performance: The winglet function reduces induced drag, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and aiding in the stable flight of the aircraft. Attaching the device of the present invention to an aircraft engine ensures smooth and safe flight, which has the effect of safely protecting the lives of passengers and reducing significant costs.

[0043] ㆍ Structural Stability: The frame structure enhances the structural stability of the aircraft engine and protects it from external shocks. The shaking that occurs when an aircraft passes through clouds is caused by collisions with fine water droplets in the air, and the cone and frame structure of the present invention mitigate these shocks, thereby enabling stable flight. In addition, since the shaking of the aircraft itself is suppressed, metal fatigue is reduced, which can lead to the additional effect of extending the aircraft's operational lifespan. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0045] FIG. 1 is an overall structural diagram of a linear bird collision prevention device coupled to an engine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It includes a cone-shaped device (2), a frame (5) supporting it, and a fin (7) that reduces vortices. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the structure in which the cone and frame of a linear device are combined in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a circular lower rim-frame structure diagram in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of a linear device in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the bird approach shape in the first embodiment of the present invention and the appearance of the bird being pushed out by the force of the airflow. FIG. 6 is an overall structural diagram of a curved bird collision prevention device coupled to an engine in a second embodiment of the present invention. It includes a cone-shaped device (2), a frame (5) supporting it, and a fin (7) that reduces vortices. The drawing shows the external shape of the device. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure in which the cone and frame of a curved device are combined in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view of a curved device in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the bird approach shape and the appearance of the bird being pushed out by the force of airflow in the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a structural diagram of a conventional aircraft engine. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0046] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] ㆍ 1st Embodiment: Linear bird collision prevention device.

[0048] FIGS. 1 to 5 show a linear collision prevention device when the frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention is composed of six parts.

[0049] The cone (2) is cone-shaped, and a hole (1) is formed on the front. The angle of inclination of the cone is set to 25 degrees, and the material used is a titanium and aluminum alloy.

[0050] The frame (5) serves to support the cone, and fin-shaped winglet fins (7) are placed between the frames to reduce vortices.

[0051] The rim-frame (6) is mounted on the engine body to compensate for the amount of air intake that may be reduced due to the cone mounting.

[0052] ㆍ 2nd Embodiment: Curved bird collision prevention device.

[0053] FIGS. 6 to 9 show a curved collision prevention device when the frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention is composed of six parts.

[0054] The rim-frame can be used in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0056] Specific examples of the present invention will be examined with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] The structures of the cone and frame according to the first and second embodiments are as follows.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a straight and curved cone (2) and frame (5), winglet pin (7), and lower frame (6) mounted on an aircraft wing.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows that the frame (5) is composed of a straight-shaped hole-cone (2) with a curved surface reinforced (3), an auxiliary-frame (4), and a winglet pin (7), with an upper and lower slope of 25 degrees. The diameter of the auxiliary-frame (4) is 3 / 5 the size of the lower frame diameter, and the width is 1 / 2 the size of the cone opening to control airflow and facilitate air intake for the engine.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a 'rim-frame' to compensate for the intake volume offset by the area of ​​the cone and frame of FIG. 2. A cylindrical frame (6) with Dia. A larger than the engine intake is mounted on the engine body to allow air to be drawn in according to the original area. The air intake volume reduced by the cone structure is further compensated through the rim-frame, so that the airflow required for the engine is maintained smoothly. This minimizes negative effects on flight performance and ensures safe flight. As a specific example, assuming that the area occupied by the structure of the present invention when viewed from the front is 18% of the engine diameter, for the 155cm diameter of the CFM56 engine of the Boeing 737-800, the radius r should be increased by 8cm (≈7.75cm). That is, by manufacturing a rim-frame (6) with a reduced upper width of a cylinder having an inner diameter of 171 cm (155 cm + 8 x 2 cm), an outer diameter of 178 cm (D: 7 cm), and a height of 21 cm, and mounting it on the engine body, it helps the inflow of air and allows the original amount of air to be drawn in. The height is equal to the front diameter of the cone, and the thickness D = 1 / 3 of the front diameter of the cone so that it can sufficiently support the air pressure and make the aircraft's appearance beautiful.

[0061] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 8 show that the angle is 60 degrees when the frame is composed of 6 parts. The area of ​​the structure of the present invention can be adjusted by making holes in the cone and the frame, or by reducing or widening the width. Safety is ensured and fuel is saved through the action of the winglets (3) of the auxiliary panel (3) of the streamlined fin (7) and the widely spread frame, resulting in smooth flight without shaking.

[0062] Figures 5 and 9 illustrate how birds are pushed away when approaching the engine.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a curved cone (2), a frame (5), a winglet pin (7), and a lower frame (6) mounted on an aircraft wing.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows that the frame (3-1), auxiliary frame (4), and winglet fin (7) are formed by processing the curved hole-cone (2) and frame (5) with a curved shape at an angle of 25 degrees upward and downward, thereby generating a large amount of airflow. The diameter of the auxiliary frame (4) is 3 / 5 the size of the lower frame diameter, and the width is 1 / 2 the size of the cone opening to control the airflow and facilitate air intake for the engine.

[0065] In order to reduce air resistance and weight, if the diameter of the CFM56 engine of a Boeing 737-800 with a fuselage length of 40 meters is 155 cm, the front part of the cone is 1 / 8 of the engine diameter so that there is no obstruction to air intake through a 21 cm hole (1), and the length is 160 cm so that it is also aesthetically balanced.

[0066] The cone (2) and the frame (5) provide structural collision prevention on their own.

[0067] ㆍ The frame (5) can be composed of 3 or more depending on the size of the engine, and in the case of a 40-meter-long aircraft, it can be composed of a total of 6 at a 60-degree angle when viewed from the front.

[0068] If composed of materials such as titanium and aluminum, which have strong properties, all parts for attachment to the device structure can be produced with a weight of 80 kg to 200 kg depending on the size of the aircraft engine. Explanation of the symbols

[0071] 1. Orifice 2. Cone 3. Winglet panel 3-1. Curved Winglet Frame 4. Auxiliary frame. 5. Frame 6. Engine fuselage fixed rim-frame 7. Streamlined protruding winglet pin

Claims

Claim 1 A collision prevention device comprising a hole-cone (2) and a frame (5), wherein the straight inclined surfaces of the cone and the frame are characterized by a straight shape that protects the engine from foreign matter by utilizing the airflow (force) that is pushed outward from the center when the aircraft is flying (Fig. 1). Claim 2 The device according to claim 1, wherein the hole-cone (2) and the frame are characterized by a curved shape (Fig. 6). Claim 3 A frame (5) characterized by a wide curved shape with a streamlined winglet pin (7) positioned between the frame and the frame (5), and a rim-frame (6) that expands air intake

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