Aerospace Vent System With Segmented Inlet And Outlet Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing venting systems for aerospace vehicles are inefficient, leading to increased weight and cost due to the need for ducting, and generate acoustic resonances and pressure imbalances, particularly during rapid pressure changes during flight.
Innovation Solution
A concave vent inlet surface recessed within the exterior surface of the vehicle, with an oblique upstream and downstream contour parallel to the local external flow direction, minimizing disruption to ambient flow and reducing the need for ducting, thereby enhancing aerodynamic performance and reducing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a flush scoop inlet is used to bring ambient air into the system, then the fuel system is pressurized during descent, but the dynamic pressure head retards ventilation flow out of the system during climb
Solution Approach 1:
The vent port is divided into two functionally distinct openings: a first opening configured to admit ambient air during descent (inlet function) and a second opening configured to vent air during climb (outlet function). This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function, with the first opening having a larger area for pressurization and the second opening having geometry optimized for flow exit, thereby resolving the contradiction between pressurization capability and ventilation flow rate.
2Weight of stationary object
If a flush hole is used to reduce system volume and weight, then ducting is eliminated, but tonal whistles and organ pipe resonances are generated during low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The vent port is segmented into two functionally distinct openings with different geometric characteristics. The second opening, used for venting during climb, has a specific geometry that disrupts the resonant feedback loop responsible for organ pipe and Helmholtz resonances. By separating the inlet and outlet functions into distinct openings with optimized geometries, the system eliminates acoustic resonances while maintaining the weight and volume benefits of a flush hole configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different geometric properties are assigned to different parts of the vent port structure. The first opening has geometry optimized for admitting ambient air during descent, while the second opening has geometry optimized for venting air during climb and for suppressing acoustic resonances. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows the system to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously.
3Stress or pressure
If an inlet scoop is used to pressurize the tank, then ventilation during descent is improved, but the port requires ducting to turn flow into the tank, increasing weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the inlet and outlet functions into a single integrated vent port structure with two openings. The first opening handles ambient air admission during descent, while the second opening handles air venting during climb. This integration eliminates the need for separate ducting systems that would be required if traditional inlet scoops were used, thereby reducing weight and complexity while maintaining pressurization capability.
4Stress or pressure
If traditional ventilation ports are used, then pressure equalization is achieved, but tank pressures do not neutralize quickly, requiring increased structural weight
Solution Approach 1:
The vent port is segmented into two functionally distinct openings that operate in different regimes. The first opening optimizes for pressurization during descent while the second opening optimizes for rapid venting during climb. This segmentation enables faster pressure neutralization by ensuring that both pressure buildup and pressure relief pathways are efficiently designed, thereby reducing the structural weight required to accommodate pressure variations.
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
The solution allows for efficient pressurization of internal cavities under varying conditions, reducing acoustic tones and structural requirements, while maintaining high aerodynamic performance and minimizing weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
Aerospace vehicles utilize venting systems to equalize the pressure between the external environment and various internal cavities
Implementation Method 2
The upstream surface contour and the downstream surface contour of the vent inlet surface are oblique to the local external flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
An improved vent system for venting an internal cavity of an aerospace vehicle to an exterior surface of the aerospace vehicle generally includes a substantially concave vent inlet surface recessed with respect the exterior surface, and a duct opening formed therein. The vent inlet surface has a major axis substantially parallel to the local external flow direction. The upstream surface contour and the downstream surface contour of the vent inlet surface are substantially oblique to the local external flow direction. The placement and orientation of the duct opening, as well as the geometry of the vent inlet surface, may be selected to achieve a particular pressurization of the internal cavity with respect to the external environment under a variety of conditions.