Concave Anti-bird grille (rc-a) at the inlets of jet engine nacelles (turbofan and similar) to protect engines from flocks of birds and thereby improve aviation safety.

Abstract

The object of the invention is to protect engines from birds, as they pose a serious danger to humans if one or more engines are damaged by the penetration of individual birds or flocks of small, medium, or large birds. However, even though the turbine blades inside the jet engine may be incredibly tough, if birds do penetrate, they would always have to be checked to see if the blades or other components of the engines and turbines are showing any defects, and if there are no defects, a thorough cleaning of the fragment bird remains inside the nacelle, engine, and turbine would still be necessary. Therefore, the function of the concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) protecting the engine, apart from preventing defects and the thorough cleaning of fragment bird remains, would also prevent the penetration of birds, which in some cases burn the engine and cause accidents. Fortunately, in most cases, the planes manage to land at airports, but they still cause a great deal of alarm. On other occasions, pilots have to land the aircraft in very awkward places, unfortunately causing injuries to passengers and crew. It is also stressful and uncomfortable for pilots to have to watch out for flocks of birds, as they must avoid landing and taking off in the presence of birds, and must not fly near migratory routes or places known to be gathering spots for birds. If an aircraft encounters a flock of birds, pilots must climb above 900 meters as quickly as possible and reduce engine speed to avoid serious damage. All in all, the concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) would be a good addition for the peace of mind and safety of passengers and crew.

Description

[0001] CONCAVE GRID - ANTI-BIRD (RC-A)

[0002] AT THE INTAKES OF JET ENGINE GONDOLAS (TURBOFAN AND SIMILAR) TO PROTECT THE ENGINES FROM FLOCKS OF BIRDS AND THUS IMPROVE AIR SAFETY.

[0003] DESCRIPTION OF THE INNOVATION

[0004] Bird strikes on airplanes cause millions of dollars in damage each year and pose a serious risk to humans at sea when these birds enter the space of the engine nacelle entrances.

[0005] Most impacts usually occur in parts of the aircraft where they do not cause major consequences for humans, but do cause millions of dollars in costs for companies: such as the fuselage, the wing edge, the nose, obstructed air intakes, cockpit windshield, broken pitot tubes, damaged brake lines and others.

[0006] But the real risk is when they sometimes penetrate the nacelle inlets, damaging the engines. When this happens, the consequences are particularly serious if the turbines are operating at high speeds, as the bodies of large birds often break several engine blades, and the resulting rotation causes a chain reaction of blade breakage. Most commercial aircraft engines are designed to withstand impacts from birds weighing up to 1.8 kilograms, but not from birds of 3, 4, or 5 kilograms.

[0007] 85% of the impacts occur in the vicinity of airports and therefore most of the measures to prevent these incidents are deployed there, ranging from preventing birds from finding places to nest with deterrent methods such as birds of prey, dogs, lasers, fireworks and others.

[0008] The greatest risk, aside from large birds, comes from flocks of birds that can cause multiple types of damage, especially when birds penetrate the engines, leaving aircraft with little room to maneuver safely back to land. Many such incidents have occurred, including: In 2008, Ryanair Flight 4102, a Boeing 737-8AS, encountered a flock of starlings just 300 meters from landing, damaging both engines. The plane then plummeted 6 meters above the runway, but of the 172 passengers, only 8 were injured. In 2009, Flight 1549 had to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River after both engines failed; all passengers escaped injury. In 2019 there was the Ural Airlines accident, flight 178 in an Airbus A321 that managed to make an emergency landing in a cornfield seconds after takeoff, a bird ingestion penetrated the engines causing this situation, out of 233 occupants there were 75 injured.The most recent case was in New Zealand on June 17, 2024, when a Virgin Australia plane suffered an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Queenstown Airport (New Zealand) due to a bird strike. The plane, carrying 67 passengers and 6 crew members, all of whom fortunately escaped injury, was forced to make an emergency landing at Invercargill Airport (New Zealand). The number of aircraft struck by birds at New Zealand airports is approximately four out of every 10,000 flights, according to data from the country's aviation regulator. The consequences vary depending on the location of the strike, the size of the bird, and the pilot's reaction, reports The Independent.

[0009] For this reason, pilots must avoid landing and taking off in the presence of birds and must not fly near migratory routes or places designated as sites where birds may congregate; in the event that an aircraft encounters a flock of birds, pilots must climb above 900 meters as quickly as possible and reduce engine speed to avoid the most serious damage.

[0010] This innovation refers to a bird protection system for engines, called the CONCAVE ANTI-BIRD GRILLE (RC-A), presented in two meticulously analyzed models: in model no. 1 it is placed on the outside of the engine nacelle entrance, and in model no. 2 it is placed on the inside of the engine nacelle entrance; together models prevent small, medium and large birds from penetrating the engine, since the mesh is composed of strong and lightweight or super-lightweight materials, with small holes, holes or openings, to prevent flocks of small birds from entering.

[0011] It is characterized by being a very strong and super-lightweight structure that can be manufactured from titanium (or its alloys), carbon nanotubes, or other strong and super-lightweight materials. In model #1, it is composed of an external ring made of wide sheet metal, slightly concave according to the external surface of the nacelle entrance. This external ring, made of wide sheet metal, is the base of the RCA-A's grilles and mesh, and is made of wide sheet metal at its upper part because nowadays aircraft are fitted with nacelle entrances that are longer forward at the top (but it works for all nacelle entrance models, only varying their measurements and dimensions). From the upper rear part of this external ring, an arm extends to cover the front part or tip of the aircraft's pylon, thus securing the entire RCA-A with a flat plate.From this outer ring of wide sheet metal, three semi-flat grilles also extend, well distributed around it to its front edge. These grilles support and shape the entire mesh from the inside, as well as providing greater resistance to bird impacts. Also extending from this outer ring of wide sheet metal is the mesh with small holes, perforations, or openings in square, rectangular, or circular shapes (designed to optimize airflow and prevent the entry of small birds). This mesh is placed on the outer surface of the gondola entrance, from the tip of the pylon with the arm, passing near the edge of the sheets of the two engine hoods or covers, to near the edge or lip of the gondola entrance.

[0012] In model no. 2 it is composed of an INTERNAL ring, a base of medium sheet metal, slightly convex according to the internal surface of the gondola entrance; this internal ring, a base of medium sheet metal, is the base of the RC-A mesh, and is made of medium sheet metal throughout its circumference within the interior of right-angle gondola entrance models like this model no. 2 (but it serves for all gondola entrance models, only varying their measurements and dimensions), and is coupled to another ring of thick sheet metal as the larger base of the entire RC-A, previously manufactured and adapted to the resistance of the weight and volume of the RC-A and solidly attached to the sheet metal of the internal circular space of the gondola entrance, previously reinforced (if necessary) and secured with special screws, flat plates or other alternative methods;From this inner ring of medium-thickness sheet metal originates the mesh, which can have small holes, perforations, or openings in square, rectangular, or circular shapes (i.e., seeking the best option for air intake and preventing the entry of flocks of small birds). This RC-A is placed from its inner ring of medium-thickness sheet metal and the base of the RC-A, coupling and securing with special screws to the thick-thickness sheet metal ring as the larger base on the surface of the internal circular space of the gondola entrance, from near the engine blades to near the edge or lips of the gondola's inner entrance.

[0013] Today, there are several nacelle inlet designs for turbofan jet aircraft. These include the circular design of model #1, with slightly elongated lips or edges extending forward at the top; and the right-angled circular design of model #2. There are also oval or triangular designs, which are cut out at the bottom of the nacelle inlet. All of these designs are used on commercial passenger and cargo aircraft, as well as military cargo planes and other service aircraft. Additionally, there are square, rhomboid, and rectangular nacelle inlet designs for military fighter jets. RC-A can be adapted and fitted to all of these turbofan engine nacelle inlet designs, in the required configurations.

[0014] Today, aircraft manufacturers subject engines to extremely rigorous endurance tests on the ground, one of which involves launching (already dead) birds at the running engines. The turbine blades inside a jet engine are incredibly strong, and normally the bird disintegrates and its remains scatter around the turbine before it can enter the engine; if the bird is too large, the turbine blades pulverize it.

[0015] However, in most cases, after these bird intrusions into the engine, and when the aircraft arrives at the airport to drop off passengers, it must go directly to the workshop for a very thorough inspection and cleaning of the entire interior of the nacelle, the engine, and the turbine, due to the minute bird remains. This entails additional time and costs, which, added to the many aircraft with bird intrusions worldwide, result in losses of millions for aviation companies. Therefore, it would be better to prevent birds from entering the engines.

[0016] Today, aircraft manufacturers say that the problem with installing a flat mesh is that it would greatly decrease the air intake into the engine, and at the same time increase aerodynamic drag.

[0017] However, by placing a concave mesh, the air intake into the engine would no longer be reduced, nor would there be aerodynamic resistance, because the concave and convex extension of the mesh would be 2...3... or more times more voluminous or extensive than a flat mesh, in the internal circular space near the edges or lips of the engine nacelle inlet.

[0018] In this case, there could be a solution with either of these two models of concave anti-bird (rc-a) grid, with different diameter and mesh length measurements, so that aeronautical engineers can choose and test the best option to protect the engine.

[0019] ART BEFORE INNOVATION

[0020] The engine as we know it today was developed by the German Nikolaus Otto, who in 1886 patented the design of a four-stroke internal combustion engine, based on the studies of the French inventor Alphonse Beau de Rochas from 1862, which in turn was based on the internal combustion model of the Italians Eugenio Bersanti and Felice Matteucci, who as early as 1853 detailed documents of operation, construction and pending patents in various European countries such as Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany.

[0021] The first gas turbine that successfully operated in a self-sustaining manner was built in 1903 by the Norwegian engineer Aegidius Elling.

[0022] The first patents for jet propulsion were granted in 1917.

[0023] Next came the turbojet, the oldest type of general-purpose jet or turbine engine. The concept was developed into practical engines in the late 1930s independently by two engineers, Frank Whittle in the UK and Hans von Ohain in Germany; however, Whittle is credited with creating the first turbojet because he was the first to conceive, formally describe, patent, and build a working engine. Von Ohain, on the other hand, was the first to use the turbojet to power an aircraft. However, the Frenchman Maxime Guillaume is also mentioned, as he patented a turbojet component in 1921, the first patent for using a gas turbine to power an aircraft; his engine was an axial-flow turbojet, but it was never built, as would have been required.

[0024] The operating cycle of this type of engine is the Brayton cycle, similar to that of a reciprocating engine, as it shares the same sequence of operating strokes (intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust or expansion). A turbojet engine consists of an air intake, an air compressor, a combustion chamber, a gas turbine (driven by the air compressor), and a nozzle. Compressed air enters the combustion chamber, is heated and expanded by the action of the fuel, and is then expelled through the turbine into the nozzle, where it is accelerated to high speeds to deliver propulsion.

[0025] Turbojet engines are very efficient at supersonic speeds but are very noisy; therefore, most modern aircraft use turboprop engines at low speeds, or turbofan engines at high speeds, which consume less fuel and are quieter. Nevertheless, turbojets are still very common in medium-range cruise missiles due to their high exhaust velocity, low frontal area, and relative simplicity.

[0026] Jet engines are classified as follows: turbojet, turboprop and TURBOFAN.

[0027] In this state-of-the-art work, the development of propulsion systems used in aircraft are fundamentally those that use air for combustion and are called "air breathing engines" or aerojets.

[0028] In a propulsion system, and specifically in jet engines, two essential parameters can be defined that characterize its functional and operational conditions, namely: thrust per unit mass Im and thrust per unit energy.

[0029] To define the performance and power of the motor core, it must be taken into account that in the high-pressure turbine, the power required to compress the primary flow in the "FAN", when it exists, must be included.

[0030] These aircraft are noted for the fact that the environmental aspects of propulsion systems are becoming increasingly important due to less atmospheric pollution in the lower and upper atmosphere, and especially less noise.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure (Fig.) 1 COVER Shows a right side view of an aircraft and the nacelle entrance WITHOUT the concave anti-bird grid (rc-a).

[0032] Fig. 2 COVER Shows a right side view of an aircraft and the entrance of the gondola WITH the concave anti-bird (rc-a) grille, of MODEL No. 1 (fig. 9).

[0033] Fig. 3 COVER Shows a right side view of an aircraft and the entrance of the gondola WITH the concave anti-bird (rc-a) grille, of MODEL No. 2 (fig. 22).

[0034] MODEL #1

[0035] Fig. 4 Shows a right side view (in the image on the left at an angle of approx. 10°) of the engine nacelle entrance; separated from the outer ring of wide sheet metal as the base of the concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) (in the image on the right at an angle of approx. 45°, for a better observation of the inside of the ring).

[0036] Fig. 5 Shows a right side view (in the image on the left at an angle of approx. 10°) of the motor nacelle entrance; separated from the outer ring of wide sheet metal as the base of the RC-A, with its arm and its three grates joined solidly in one piece (in the image on the right at an angle of approx. 45°), the dashes delineate the outside of the mesh.

[0037] Fig. 6 Shows a right side view (at a right angle) of the motor nacelle entrance (in the image on the left); separated from the outer ring of wide sheet metal as the base of the RC-A, with its arm and its three grates joined solidly in one piece (in the image on the right and at a right angle), the dashes outline the outside of the mesh.

[0038] Fig. 7 Shows a right side view (at a right angle) of the wide sheet outer ring as the base of the RC-A, with its arm and its three grates, inside the outside of the motor nacelle entrance; the dashes outline the outside of the mesh.

[0039] Fig. 8 shows a vertical view (at a right angle) of the complete concave anti-bird grille (RC-A) in its functional position on the exterior of the gondola entrance, with its ring and arm as the base of the RC-A, the mesh with small holes or openings, and the three semi-flat grates attached to the inner part of the mesh. On the left side of the figure is a box detailing the external tabs around the mesh more closely; and on the right side of the figure are the measurements that can be given to the length of the mesh. In this figure, we observe the longest mesh.

[0040] Fig. 9 shows a right-side view (at a right angle) of the complete RC-A in its functional position, on the outside of the gondola entrance, with its ring and arm, the mesh of small holes or openings, and the three semi-flat grates. In this figure, we observe the medium-length mesh (cover).

[0041] Fig. 10 shows a right-side view (at a right angle) of the complete RC-A in its functional position, on the outside of the gondola entrance, with its ring and arm, the mesh of small holes or openings, and the three semi-flat grates. In this figure, we observe the short-length mesh.

[0042] Fig. 11 Shows a front view of two gondola entrances: the first on the left shows the rc-a with its three semi-flat grates without the mesh; and the second on the right shows its three grates with the mesh on their exterior.

[0043] Fig. 12 Shows a top view of two gondolas (at right angles): the first on the left shows the gondola entrance without the rc-a; and the second on the right shows the gondola entrance with the rc-a.

[0044] Fig. 13 Shows a view of the underside of two gondolas (at angles of approx. 10°); and a third gondola with a front view: the first gondola with a bottom view on the left shows the gondola entrance without the rc-a, and the second gondola with a bottom view on the right shows the gondola entrance with the rc-a; on the far right, the third gondola with a front view shows the gondola entrance with the three semi-flat grates and without the mesh.

[0045] MODEL 2 Fig. 14 Shows a right side view (at an angle of approx. 45°) of the engine nacelle entrance.

[0046] Fig. 15 Shows a right side view (in the image on the left at an angle of approx. 45°) of the motor nacelle inlet; separated from the inner ring of medium sheet as the base of the rc-a (in the image on the right at an angle of approx. 45°).

[0047] Fig. 16 Shows a right side view (in the image on the left at an angle of approx. 45°) of the motor nacelle entrance; separated from the inner ring of the middle sheet and where its mesh originates, in this case we observe the entire complete RC-A of this model no. 2 (in the image on the right at an angle of approx. 45°).

[0048] Fig. 17 shows a right side view (at an approximate 45° angle) of the complete RC-A in its functional location of this model no. 2, that is, inside the interior of the gondola entrance, with its mesh of small holes or openings. In this figure, we observe the medium-length mesh.

[0049] Fig. 18 Shows a right side view (at a right angle) of the gondola entrance.

[0050] Fig. 19 shows a vertical (right-angle) view of the complete concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) in its functional position, of this model no. 2, inside the gondola entrance, with its mesh of small holes and openings. On the left side of the figure is a box detailing the external tabs around the mesh; and on the right side are the measurements for the desired mesh length. In this figure, we observe the longer mesh.

[0051] Fig. 20 shows a right-side view (at a right angle) of the complete RC-A in its functional position, inside the nacelle entrance, with its mesh of small holes or openings. In this figure, we observe the medium-length mesh.

[0052] Fig. 21 shows a right-side view (at a right angle) of the complete RC-A in its functional position, inside the nacelle entrance, with its mesh of small holes or openings. In this figure, we observe the mesh of semi-short length.

[0053] Fig. 22 shows a right-side view (at a right angle) of the complete RC-A in its functional position, inside the nacelle entrance, with its mesh of small holes or openings. In this figure, we observe the short-length mesh (cover).

[0054] Fig. 23 shows a front view of two gondola entrances: the first on the left shows the RC-A without the mesh; and the second on the right shows the RC-A with the mesh. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0055] Fig. 1 COVER Here we observe with a right side view an airplane in full flight, and the entrance of the gondola (at an angle of approx. 5°) WITHOUT the concave-anti-bird grid (rc-a).

[0056] Fig. 2 COVER Here we observe with a right side view an airplane in full flight, and the entrance of the gondola (at an angle of approx. 5°) WITH the concave anti-bird (rc-a) grid, of MODEL No. 1 (fig. 9).

[0057] Fig. 3 COVER Here we observe with a right side view an airplane in full flight, and the entrance of the gondola (at an angle of approx. 5°) WITH the concave-anti-bird (rc-a) grid, of MODEL No. 2 (fig. 22).

[0058] MODEL #1

[0059] Fig. 4 Here we observe from the right side (at an angle of approximately 10° in the image on the left) the inlet (1) of the engine nacelle; separated from the outer ring (2) of wide sheet metal as the base of the RC-A (at an angle of approximately 45° in the image on the right) with an approximate width of between 20 and 50 cm (or its conversion in inches); this outer ring (2) has an arm (3) securing the entire RC-A at the upper rear of the ring, with its flat plate (4) at the upper end of the arm, to secure it to the tip of the pylon (5) of the aircraft; it also has one or more square (6) or rectangular spaces in the lower middle part of the ring for any electrical or control duct requirements that may be needed with one or more open sheet metal spaces.On the lower right side of the figure is the box detailing more closely the edge of the base ring plate (7). The measurements or dimensions of the thickness of the edge of the base ring plate (7) and the arm that covers the tip of the pylon to secure the entire RC-A could be 1 >2 or 2 cm (or its conversion in inches) + 1 cm of the thickness of the cloth (8) or rubber that is attached to the inside or concave part of the base ring plate and the arm, to cushion the blows or impacts of birds and the sudden movements that sometimes occur in the aircraft and thus not scratch or damage the outside of the gondola entrance.

[0060] Fig. 5 Here we observe from the right side (at an angle of approximately 10° in the image on the left) the entrance (1) of the motor nacelle; separated from the outer ring (2) of wide sheet metal as the base of the RC-A (at an angle of approximately 45° in the image on the right); from this outer ring (2) base, outside the arm (3) also arise well distributed and around it to its front part, three semi-flat grilles (9) (where their measurements or dimensions of length and thickness vary, according to the final size given to the RC-A) that support and give shape from the inside to the entire mesh, as well as give more resistance to the mesh against the impacts of the birds (but if the mesh is made of a very strong and light material, these three grilles would only be OPTIONAL); we also observe the edge of the sheet metal (7) of the base ring and the edge of the cloth (8) or rubber. The dashes outline the exterior of the mesh.

[0061] Fig. 6 Here we observe from the right side (at a right angle) the entrance (1) of the motor nacelle (in the image on the left); separated from the outer ring (2) of wide sheet metal (at a right angle) as the base of the RC-A (in the image on the right); the description of this Fig. 6 at a right angle is similar to the description of Fig. 5 at an angle of approximately 45°.

[0062] Fig. 7 Here we observe from the right side (at a right angle) the entrance (1) of the nacelle and on its outer part, the outer ring (2) of wide sheet metal as the base of the RC-A, with its arm (3) and its three semi-flat grates (9) solidly joined in a single piece, inside the outer part of the entrance (1) of the motor nacelle; we also observe the flat plate (4), the pylon (5) and a square space (6) in function, in the lower part of the ring. The dashes delineate the outside of the mesh.

[0063] Fig. 8 Here we observe vertically (at a right angle) the entrance (1) of the nacelle and on its exterior, the concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) of this model no. 1 complete and in its functional position, which is on the exterior of the entrance (1) of the motor nacelle; we observe in more detail the outer ring (2) wide sheet metal base with its arm (3) securing the entire rc-a; From this wide sheet metal base ring the mesh (10) is solidly attached, which can have holes, perforations or rather small openings to prevent the entry of flocks of small birds, of square, rectangular or circular shapes (choosing the best geometric shape for better air intake), with dimensions of 4, 5, 6 or 7 cm. (or its conversion in inches), x 1 or 2 cm.in the thickness of the lines that form, separate, enclose or divide these gaps, spaces, holes or openings; We also observe the three semi-flat grates (9) attached to the inside of the mesh, and at the bottom of the ring, a small (16) flat plate in case it is needed; On the left side of the figure is the box detailing more closely the external tabs around the mesh, for every two gaps, holes or openings, for a greater entry of air through its lateral circle; And on the right side of the figure, are the measurements that you want to give to the length of the mesh.

[0064] To install the RC-A in its operating position, there is no need to detach the inlet (1) from the nacelle. It can be installed externally using a specially adapted charger on the outside of the inlet (1) of the nacelle, securing it with the flat plate at the upper end of the arm (3) above the tip of the pylon (5). To detach it, the flat plate can be released, and the adapted charger can be used to detach it from the nacelle inlet. Alternatively, it can be detached along with the nacelle inlet without detaching the RC-A, and in this case, the adapted charger is not required; the charger normally used to detach nacelle inlets can be used.

[0065] This mesh can also be fitted with an electrical cable connected to a battery or other power source, controlled from outside or from the aircraft cockpit, to heat the mesh when the aircraft is in very cold environments and the mesh is covered in ice. In this figure, we see the longer version of the mesh.

[0066] The measurements and dimensions of the entire RC-A depend on the dimensions of the many different models that exist today, in the entrances of the gondolas.

[0067] Fig. 9 Here we observe, from the right side (at a right angle), the entrance (1) of the gondola and, on its exterior, the complete concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) in its functional position. The description of this Fig. 9 is similar to the description of Figs. 4, 5, and 8; the only difference is that this Fig. 9 is of medium length (front view).

[0068] Fig. 10 Here we observe, from the right side (at a right angle), the entrance (1) of the nacelle and, on its exterior, the complete concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) in its functional position. The description of this Fig. 10 is similar to the descriptions of Figs. 4, 5, and 8; the only difference is that this Fig. 10 is shorter. Fig. 11 Here we observe, from the front, two nacelle entrances: In the first one on the left, we observe its outer ring (2) and its arm (3) with a flat sheet (4), its three semi-flat grilles (9) without the mesh, the edge or lip (11) of the nacelle entrance, the edge of the sheet (7) of the base ring, and the edge of the cloth (8) or rubber; we also observe the motor blades (12) and the motor nacelle entrance (1).In the second one on the right we observe its outer ring (2) and its arm (3) with flat sheet metal (4), its three semi-flat grates (9) with the mesh (10) surrounding its entire exterior, the edge or lips (11) of the gondola entrance, the edge of the sheet (7) of the base ring where the mesh originates and the edge of the cloth (8) or rubber.

[0069] Fig. 12 Here we observe the top of two nacelles (at right angles): In the first nacelle on the left we observe the entrance (1) of the engine nacelle WITHOUT the RC-A, we also observe the middle part (13) of the engine nacelle and at its top we observe the front part or tip of the pylon (5) with a hook hole (25) for the flat plate, as well as we observe the left hood (14) and the right hood (15) of the engine and the edge or lips (11) of the nacelle entrance. In the second gondola on the right we observe the entrance (1) of the motor gondola WITH the rc-a, with its middle part (13) of the motor gondola, we also observe the outer ring (2) base and its securing arm (3) connected or secured to the pylon (5) with the flat plate (4), we also observe the birth or base of two semi-flat grates (9) on the front of the base ring.

[0070] Fig. 13 Here we observe the lower part of two nacelles (at angles of approx. 10°) and a third nacelle with a front view: In the first nacelle on the left, we observe with a lower view the entrance (1) of the engine nacelle WITHOUT the RC-A, with a hook hole (25) for the small flat plate, if necessary for greater security of the RC-A; we also observe the lower middle part (13) of the engine nacelle with its lower parts of the right hood (15) and the left hood (14) of the engine, as well as the edge or lips (11) of the entrance of the nacelle.In the second gondola on the right, we observe from a lower view the entrance (1) of the motor gondola and the lower part of the outer ring (2) wide sheet metal base, and in its center we observe the small flat plate (16) in case it is necessary; We also observe one of the spaces (6) for any electrical requirement; we also observe the lower middle part (13) of the gondola with its lower parts of the right hood (15) and the left hood (14), as well as we observe the edge or lips (11) of the entrance of the gondola.In the third gondola on the far right, we observe from a front view the gondola entrance (1), the outer ring (2) with a wide sheet metal base and its arm (3) with a flat sheet metal plate (4), its three semi-flat grates (9) without the mesh, the edge or lips (11) of the gondola entrance, the edge of the sheet metal (7) of the ring, the edge of the cloth (8) or rubber and the motor blades (12); But above all, we observe two small flat sheets in case it is necessary for greater RC-A safety: the (17) in the lower left middle part of the outer ring (2) and the (18) in the lower right middle part of the outer ring, remaining at the same distance from each other with respect to the main flat sheet metal plate (4), to balance 3 safety points around the base outer ring, however, all the small flat sheets are OPTIONAL.

[0071] MODEL #2

[0072] Fig. 14 Here we observe from the right side (at an angle of approx. 45°) the entrance (1) of the engine nacelle and its middle part (13) of the nacelle with the right hood (15), the pylon (5), the edge or lips (11) at the entrance of the nacelle and parts of the blades (12) of the engine, then there is an internal circular space (19), between the ends of the engine blades and the edge or lips of the entrance of the nacelle, to place a ring of thick sheet metal as a larger base, where the inner ring of medium sheet metal base and its mesh will be attached, i.e., the entire RC-A.

[0073] Fig. 15 Here we observe from the right side (in the image on the left at an angle of approximately 45°) the entrance (1) of the motor nacelle; Above and around the internal circular space we observe a ring of thick sheet metal (20) as the main base of the entire RC-A, previously manufactured and adapted to withstand the weight and volume of the RC-A of this model No. 2, and solidly attached to the sheet metal of the internal circular space of the nacelle entrance, previously reinforced (if necessary); this ring of thick sheet metal (20) is similar (but with a few cm more diameter) to the internal ring (23) medium sheet metal base, and would be the main base where the entire RC-A would be fitted inside the entrance of the nacelle; this ring of thick sheet metal (20) could have a width of between 20 and 40 cm and a thickness of 3 to 4 cm.(or its conversion in inches) and consists of threaded holes (21) to place the special screws (22) that secure the inner ring (23) medium sheet base and its mesh, i.e., the entire RC-A of this model No. 2. (In the image on the right at an angle of approximately 45°) we observe the inner ring (23) of medium sheet, as the base of the RC-A; this inner ring (23) medium sheet base could have a width of between 20 and 40 cm and the edge of its sheet (7) a thickness of 1 to 2 cm (or its conversion in inches) + 1 cm. of the thickness of the cloth (8) or rubber that is attached to the external or convex part of the sheet of this inner ring (23) medium sheet base (in order to cushion the blows or impacts of birds, and the sudden movements that sometimes occur in the aircraft), and is composed of unthreaded holes (24) around the entire sheet of the ring, for the passage of the special screws (22) that screw (21) into the holes of the thick sheet ring (20), to secure the entire rc-a.

[0074] In this RC-A model no. 2, instead of special screws, it can also be secured with flat plates or other alternative methods, from its inner ring (23) of medium sheet metal to the ring of thick sheet metal (20).

[0075] Fig. 16 Here we observe from the right side (in the image on the left at an approximate angle of 45°) the entrance (1) of the motor nacelle, with its thick sheet metal ring (20) as the main base of the entire RC-A, previously manufactured and adapted to withstand the weight and volume of the RC-A of this model No. 2, and solidly attached to the sheet metal of the internal circular space of the nacelle entrance, previously reinforced (if necessary); this thick sheet metal ring (20) is composed of threaded holes (21) around the internal circular space of the nacelle entrance, to place the special screws that secure the internal ring (23) medium sheet metal base with its mesh (10), i.e., the entire RC-A of this model No. 2. (In the image on the right at an approximate angle of 45°.) We observe complete but separate from the entrance (1) of the gondola, the entire concave-anti-bird grille (rc-a) of this model no. 2, with its internal ring (23) of medium sheet and its mesh (10) with its small holes or openings of similar dimensions to those of model no. 1. In this figure we observe the medium length mesh.

[0076] TO INSTALL THE RC-A in its functional position, the inlet (1) of the engine nacelle must be detached from its natural charger, and from there the RC-A is inserted through the rear or front of the inlet (1) of the nacelle to its functional position, which is where the inner ring (23) of medium sheet metal base of the RC-A is fitted, with the thick sheet metal ring (20) as a larger base solidly attached to the sheet metal of the inner circular space of the nacelle inlet, and then from inside the inlet (1) of the nacelle, screw or secure with other methods, the two base rings that support the mesh; After securing the RC-A in its functional position inside the nacelle inlet, the nacelle inlet is installed or placed on the engine as is normally done, but with the RC-A in its functional position protecting the engine.

[0077] This mesh can also be fitted with an electric cable connected to a battery or other power source, controlled from outside or from the aircraft cabin, to heat the mesh when the aircraft is in places with very low temperatures and the mesh is covered in ice.

[0078] Fig. 17 Here we observe from the right side (at an angle of approx. 45°) the complete rc-a and in its functional location of this model no. 2, that is, inside and around the internal circular space of the entrance (1) of the gondola; we observe the mesh (10), the edge or lips (11) of the entrance of the gondola and the pylon (5).

[0079] Fig. 18 Here we observe from the right side (at a right angle) the entrance (1) of the gondola with its edge or lips (11), its middle side part (13) of the gondola with its right hood (15) and the pylon (5).

[0080] Fig. 19 Here we observe, vertically (at a right angle), the complete concave anti-bird grille (rc-a) in its functional position, of this model no. 2, that is, inside and around the internal circular space of the gondola entrance (1). We also observe in more detail the mesh (10) with small holes or openings of similar dimensions to those of model no. 1. We also observe the rim or lip (11), the right-hand hood (15), and the pylon (5). On the left side of the figure is the inset detailing the external tabs around the mesh, placed every two holes or openings, for better airflow on its sides. On the right side of the figure are the dimensions for the desired mesh length. In this figure, we observe the longer mesh. The measurements and dimensions of the entire RC-A depend on the dimensions of the many different models that exist today, in the entrances of the gondolas.

[0081] Fig. 20 Here we observe, from the right side (at a right angle), the complete RC-A in its functional position. The description of this Fig. 20 is similar to the description of Fig. 19; the only difference is that this Fig. 20 is of medium length.

[0082] Fig. 21 Here we observe, from the right side (at a right angle), the complete RC-A in its functional position. The description of this Fig. 21 is similar to the description of Fig. 19; the only difference is that this Fig. 21 is half-short.

[0083] Fig. 22 Here we observe, from the right side (at a right angle), the complete RC-A in its functional position. The description of this Fig. 22 is similar to the description of Fig. 19, the only difference being that this Fig. 22 is shorter.

[0084] Fig. 23 Here we observe two nacelle entrances from the front: in the first one on the left, we see it without the mesh, but we can see its center with the motor blades (12), the rim or lips (11), the nacelle entrance plate (1), and the pylon (5). In the second one on the right, we see it with the mesh (10) with its small holes or openings.

[0085] OBSERVATIONS

[0086] 1-- The measurements, dimensions and materials of these two models of concave-anti-bird (rc-a) grid can be modified in search of greater practicality, quality, economy and functionality.

[0087] 2-- For the protection of turbofan jet engines and similar, there could be a solution with either of these two models of concave anti-bird grid (rc-a), with different dimensions and measurements of diameter and length of the mesh, so that aeronautical engineers can have and test the best option to protect the engine.

[0088] 3-- In this presentation we observe model #1 with grates to give more strength to the mesh, while in model #2 we observe it without the grates assuming that the material of this mesh is super strong and super light, and does not need the grates, however after the thorough study in practice with the aeronautical engineers, it can be determined whether or not the grates will be necessary in both models.

[0089] 4-- These two models of concave anti-bird grid (rc-a) can be manufactured from a single, solid piece, from its base ring to the end of the mesh, or they can also be manufactured from bolted or riveted pieces, it all depends on the aeronautical engineers.

[0090] 5-- All current models of nacelle inlets for turbofan and similar engines can be adapted and fitted with the RC-A, in the required shapes.

[0091] 6-- Of these two models of concave-anti-bird (rc-a) grille, I want to clarify the name of this innovation, since some people will wonder if the grille is actually concave, convex, or both: it is convex with respect to the mesh with the outer face towards the engine nacelle entrance and it is concave with respect to the mesh with the inner face towards the engine nacelle entrance, but its concave shape is the interior of the mesh that faces the engine, and for this reason I defined it as concave; however, I leave the final name in the hands of the aeronautical entrepreneur interested in this innovation.

[0092] LIST OF ELEMENTS OF THE INNOVATION CONCAVE GRILLE - ANTI-BIRD (RC-A) IN THE INTAKES OF JET ENGINE GONDOLAS (TURBOFAN AND SIMILAR) TO PROTECT THE ENGINES FROM FLOCKS OF BIRDS AND THUS IMPROVE AIR SAFETY.

[0093] 1 Gondola entrance (for both models)

[0094] 2.-- Wide sheet metal outer ring, as the base of the rc-a (model no. 1)

[0095] 3.-- RC-A securing arm (model no. 1)

[0096] 4.-- Flat plate at the upper end of the arm (model no. 1)

[0097] 5.-- Airplane pylon (for both models)

[0098] 6.-- One or more square open-sheet vapor spaces (for both models)

[0099] 7.-- Thickness of the sheet metal of the two base rings of the RC-A (for both models)

[0100] 8.-- Thickness of the cloth or rubber (for both models)

[0101] 9.-- Semi-flat grates (model no. 1)

[0102] 10. Mesh (for both models)

[0103] 11. - Edge or lips of the gondola entrance (for both models)

[0104] 12.- Engine blades (for both models)

[0105] 13. Middle part of the engine nacelle (for both models)

[0106] 14.- Left hood or cover (for both models)

[0107] 15.- Right hood or cover (for both models)

[0108] 16. Small flat plate, if necessary (model no. 1)

[0109] 17. Small flat plate in the lower left middle part, if necessary (model no. 1)

[0110] 18. Small flat plate in the lower right middle part, if necessary (model no. 1)

[0111] 19.- Internal circular space, inside the entrance of the gondola (model no. 2)

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Model No. 1: Concave anti-bird grille (A-RG) for protecting engines from bird strikes and thus improving air safety. Characterized by a strong and lightweight structure, with an external ring as the base of the A-RG, its safety arm, three resistance grilles, and its concave mesh for protecting the engine from bird strikes. It has an external ring (2) of wide sheet metal as the base of the RC-A, placed on the outside of the entrance (1) of the gondola; from this external ring (2) arises an arm (3) securing the entire RC-A at the upper rear of the ring, with its flat plate (4) at the upper end of the arm to secure it to the tip of the pylon (5) of the aircraft; from this external ring (2) also arise three semi-flat grates (9) (optional) that support and give shape and resistance to the mesh; from this external ring (2) also arises the mesh (10) with its holes, perforations or openings rather small to prevent the entry of flocks of small birds, and tabs for every two holes or perforations for greater air intake through its lateral circular body; This outer ring (2) has one or more square (6) or rectangular spaces in the middle of the ring for any electrical or control duct requirements that may be needed with one or more open sheet spaces. 2- Model No. 2: Concave anti-bird grille (RC-A) for protecting engines from bird strikes and thus improving air safety. Characterized by a strong yet lightweight structure, with an internal ring as the base of the RC-A, special safety screws, and a concave mesh to protect the engine from bird strikes. It has an inner ring (23) of medium sheet metal as the base of the rc-a, placed, coupled and secured with special screws or flat plates or other alternative methods, to another ring of thick sheet metal (20) as the larger base of the entire rc-a and solidly attached to the internal circular space (19) of the entrance (1) of the gondola; from this inner ring (23) arises the mesh (10) with its holes, perforations or openings rather small to prevent the entry of flocks of small birds, and tabs for every two holes or perforations for a greater air intake or its lateral circular skin; this inner ring (23) also has one or more square (6) or rectangular spaces in its middle part for any electrical or control duct requirements that may be needed with one or more open sheet metal spaces.

Images