Aircraft Air Intake Flow Control for Foreign Matter Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in effectively identifying and removing obstructing foreign matter from air intakes, which can lead to reduced performance and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
An air intake control system with a flow control assembly, blockage sensor assembly, and controller that detects foreign matter accumulation and adjusts the flow control member's state to remove it, using an inflatable boot and actuator to change air flow direction or rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flow control member is used to control air flow in the air intake, then air flow direction and rate can be adjusted, but foreign matter can accumulate on the flow control member causing obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is positioned to detect foreign matter accumulation on the flow control member and provides feedback signals to the controller. The controller monitors the sensor output and automatically activates the actuator to change the flow control member's state when obstruction is detected, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the air flow itself to remove foreign matter from the flow control member. When the flow control member's state is changed via the actuator, the modified air flow direction and rate create conditions that naturally dislodge and remove accumulated foreign matter, allowing the system to self-clean without external intervention.
2Reliability
If the flow control member state is changed frequently to remove foreign matter, then foreign matter accumulation is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors foreign matter accumulation and provides feedback only when obstruction reaches a threshold level. The controller processes this feedback and activates the actuator only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary state changes and energy consumption while maintaining reliable flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously changing the flow control member state or using excessive actuation, the system applies partial action by activating the actuator only when sensor feedback indicates foreign matter accumulation exceeds a threshold, achieving sufficient cleaning with minimal energy expenditure.
3Measurement precision
If a blockage sensor assembly is added to detect foreign matter, then obstruction can be identified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blockage sensor assembly is integrated with the existing air intake control system components. The sensor is positioned to utilize the existing air flow paths and control architecture, merging the detection function with the flow control mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors sensor feedback for foreign matter detection, determines when obstruction thresholds are exceeded, activates the actuator for cleaning, and manages overall air flow control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
Effectively identifies and removes foreign matter, maintaining efficient air flow and preventing engine disruptions by dynamically managing airflow based on sensor feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The blockage sensor has a sensing area directed to the flow control member. The blockage sensor is configured to produce a signal indicative of an accumulation of foreign matter on the flow control member within the sensing area.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is operably connected to the flow control member to selectively change a state of the flow control member to change one or both of an air flow direction or an air flow rate of an air flow through the air passage.
Implementation Method 3
The controller includes a processor connected in signal communication with memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to identify a presence or an absence of an obstruction condition of the flow control member, the presence of the obstruction condition identified where the signal is indicative of the accumulation being greater than an accumulation threshold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An aircraft propulsion system (20) includes an air intake (38) and an air intake control system (26). The air intake (38) includes an intake body (44) forming an air passage. The air intake control system (26) includes a flow control member (98) disposed within the air intake (38), a blockage sensor having a sensing area (150) directed to the flow control member (98), and a controller (84). The blockage sensor is configured to produce a signal indicative of an accumulation of foreign matter on the flow control member (98). The controller (84) is configured to identify a presence or an absence of an obstruction condition of the flow control member (98) and remove the foreign matter from the flow control member (98), in response to identifying the presence of the obstruction condition, by changing a state of the flow control member (98).