Adjustable Nozzle Throat via Fluidic Injection and Pneumatic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing variable throat nozzles in aircraft thrust propulsion systems are often complex, heavy, and have limited adjustability, necessitating a more efficient and lightweight solution for adjusting nozzle dimensions and effective throat area.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle with a convergent-divergent throat that adjusts by reconfiguring the passageway wall structure and using fluidic injection, combined with pneumatic actuation from a gas turbine engine compressor to change the throat's dimensional and effective area, allowing for a wider range of adjustability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing variable throat nozzles are used to adjust nozzle dimensions, then the nozzle throat can be adjusted, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle throat adjustabilityVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with fluidic injection and pneumatic actuation. Pressurized fluid from the engine compressor is injected into the nozzle passageway to change the effective throat area, while pneumatic actuators adjust the wall structure configuration, eliminating the need for complex mechanical variable throat mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic actuation from the gas turbine engine compressor to control the nozzle throat. Pressurized air is used to actuate the wall structure and fluidic injection system, providing a lightweight and simple control mechanism compared to traditional mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing variable throat nozzles are used to adjust nozzle dimensions, then the nozzle throat can be adjusted, but the weight penalty is significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle throat adjustabilityVSAvoidnozzle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical adjustment mechanisms with lightweight fluidic and pneumatic systems. The use of pressurized fluid injection and pneumatic actuators from the engine compressor eliminates the need for heavy mechanical variable throat components, significantly reducing nozzle weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the engine's own compressor output to power the nozzle adjustment system. The pressurized air from the compressor is utilized to actuate the nozzle wall structure and fluidic injection, eliminating the need for separate heavy actuation systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing variable throat nozzles are used, then some throat adjustment is possible, but the range of adjustability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroat area variation rangeVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fluidic injection and pneumatic actuation to achieve a throat area variation range of 95% to 200% of the fully choked minimum effective area. This fluid-based control system provides a wider adjustment range compared to mechanical systems while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and pressure parameters of the working fluid to achieve throat area variation. By controlling the injection pressure and fluid flow characteristics, the system achieves a wide range of throat area adjustment (95%-200%) through parameter modulation rather than complex structural changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides a more efficient and adjustable nozzle with a range of throat area variation from 95% to 200% of the fully choked minimum effective area, reducing complexity and weight while enhancing adjustability.

Implementation Method 1

pneumatic actuation from a gas turbine engine compressor to change the throat's dimensional and effective area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

fluidic injection into the nozzle passageway to change effective throat area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidic injection: Injector

Data Source

PatentUS8769959B2Nozzle with an adjustable throat

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 ROLLS ROYCE CORP

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle defining a passage to receive and discharge working fluid to produce thrust. The nozzle includes the first wall structure opposite a second wall structure. The first wall structure includes a first convergent flap pivotally connected to a first divergent flap. The second wall structure includes a second convergent flap pivotally connected to a second divergent flap. The first wall structure and the second wall structure define the throat along the passage and are reconfigurable to adjust dimensional area of the throat. One or more control valves modulate flow of the pressurized fluid into the passage through a first opening in the first wall structure and a second opening in the second wall structure approximate to the throat to change effective area of the throat by fluidic control.