Aircraft Engine Inlet Motion Restrictor for Axial Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft engine inlets experience undesirable vibrations in the axial direction, leading to increased maintenance needs and reduced durability due to these vibrations, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A motion restrictor system comprising a plurality of longitudinally oriented members connecting a first wall of the inlet to a structure within the aircraft engine, specifically designed to reduce axial vibrations by stabilizing the inlet components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the inlet structure is rigidly connected to the engine structure, then structural strength is improved, but axial vibrations are transmitted to the inlet causing durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the inlet structure and engine structure is divided into multiple segments through the use of longitudinal members spaced at intervals along the inlet. This segmentation allows each member to independently manage vibration forces while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing the transmission of axial vibrations that would otherwise compromise inlet durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal members act as intermediary elements between the inlet structure and the engine structure. These members are specifically oriented to resist axial vibrations while transmitting other necessary forces, serving as a mediating connection that protects the inlet from harmful vibration transmission while maintaining structural strength.
2Reliability
If vibration reduction measures are added to the inlet, then inlet durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support to maintain inlet shape, act as vibration dampers to reduce axial vibrations, and serve as attachment points for other inlet components. This multi-functionality reduces inlet durability issues without significantly increasing device complexity, as the same structural elements perform multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation and spacing parameters of the longitudinal members are optimized to achieve vibration reduction. By carefully selecting the angular orientation of each member relative to the inlet axis and spacing them at specific intervals, the system achieves effective vibration damping using simple structural members rather than complex active vibration control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising a first wall (122) and a plurality of longitudinal members (120). The first wall is for an inlet (110) of an aircraft engine (108). The plurality of longitudinal members connects the first wall to a structure for the aircraft engine. The plurality of longitudinal members has an orientation configured to reduce motion in the inlet.