Pivoting Air Inlet Members for Aircraft Thrust Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in achieving efficient thrust reversal during landing without increasing mass, size, or disrupting aerodynamics, particularly due to airflow attachment issues and complex designs in current thrust reversal systems.
Innovation Solution
An air intake with movable components that pivot between cover and deflection positions to guide or deflect airflow, allowing for efficient thrust reversal while maintaining aerodynamic performance and minimizing size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional air inlet with fixed geometry is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the thrust reversal capability is limited and requires separate mechanical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the inlet geometry variable through mobile members (flaps or doors) that can change position. These mobile members are disposed within the inlet and can be moved between a first position (normal operation) and a second position (thrust reversal), allowing the inlet to adapt its geometry dynamically based on operational requirements. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical thrust reversal systems while providing both normal operation and thrust reversal capabilities through a single integrated structure.
2Productivity
If mobile members are added to promote thrust reversal, then the thrust reversal efficiency improves, but the risk of foreign object damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the beforehand cushioning principle by providing a housing that receives the mobile members and protects them from foreign object damage. The housing is configured to shield the mobile members (flaps or doors) during operation, preventing direct exposure to foreign objects such as birds or debris. This protective housing ensures that the mobile members, which are critical for thrust reversal efficiency, remain reliable and undamaged while still being able to move between positions to enable effective thrust reversal.
3Ease of operation
If the inlet geometry is made variable for thrust reversal, then the aerodynamic performance during reversal improves, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the mobile members directly into the inlet structure itself, rather than using separate control systems. The mobile members (flaps or doors) are disposed within the inlet and are controlled to move between positions, with their movement directly altering the inlet geometry. This integration simplifies the control system by combining the geometry-changing function and the thrust reversal function into a single mechanism, reducing the number of separate components and control systems needed while maintaining excellent aerodynamic performance during thrust reversal.
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 air intake enhances thrust reversal performance by detaching the reverse airflow from the inner wall, preventing airflow loops, and preserving aerodynamics, thus improving braking efficiency and reducing unwanted airflow circulation.
Implementation Method 1
mobile members (14) arranged inside said air inlet (12) and configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, in which the first position promotes a forward thrust phase of the aircraft and the second position promotes a thrust reversal phase of the aircraft
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an air inlet (1) of an aircraft propulsion unit (8) comprising thrust reversal means configured to modify a bypass air flow circulating from upstream to downstream in a bypass duct (6) into a reverse air flow (F-INV) circulating from downstream to upstream, the air inlet (1) comprising an interior wall (10) comprising openings (14) and, in each opening (14), a mobile member (2) that comprises a covering wall (20) and a deflecting wall (21) and is mounted so as to pivot between a covering position, in which the covering wall (20) obstructs the opening (14) so as to guide the bypass air flow and promote a thrust phase, and a deflecting position (P2), in which the deflecting wall (21) obstructs the opening (14) so as to separate the reverse air flow (F-INV) and promote a thrust reversal phase (B).