Antivortex Device for High Gravity Propellant Sump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antivortex and vapor-ingestion-suppression devices are inadequate for high gravity environments and cannot effectively manage increased vortex suppression at higher fuel discharge rates from liquid propellant tanks with multiple outlet ports, particularly with propellants like hydrogen peroxide, due to material incompatibility and limited effectiveness in suppressing vapor ingestion.

Innovation Solution

An antivortex device comprising center plates, extension plates, and a top plate, designed to be assembled within a recessed multi-outlet sump, which increases vortex suppression capability by disrupting kinetic energy and reducing vapor ingestion through a combination of center and extension plates that facilitate fluid flow and are compatible with various propellants, including hydrogen peroxide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screen systems are used to reduce vapor ingestion, then vapor or gas bubbles are prevented from flowing through, but they are only effective in low gravity environments and cannot be used with hydrogen peroxide due to material incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor ingestion suppressionVSAvoidenvironmental compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screen system (which relies on capillary action and bubble point pressure) with a mechanical antivortex device consisting of vanes that physically disrupt vortex formation. This mechanical approach works in high gravity environments and is compatible with hydrogen peroxide, overcoming the limitations of screen systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional antivortex devices with vanes are used, then liquid propellants are brought to the outflow area through capillary action, but they cannot provide substantial vapor ingestion suppression at higher gravity conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor ingestion suppressionVSAvoidgravity environment adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the antivortex device with vanes that dynamically interact with the fluid flow at high discharge rates. The vanes are positioned and dimensioned to effectively disrupt vortex formation under high gravity conditions, making the device adaptive to different operating conditions including high gravity environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the number of fuel outlets is increased to maximize engine operating time, then payload capacity is increased, but vortex suppression becomes more difficult due to increased fuel discharge rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine operating timeVSAvoidvortex suppression effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antivortex device into multiple vanes positioned around the sump, with each vane handling a portion of the fluid flow from multiple outlet ports. This segmentation allows the device to effectively suppress vortices even at high discharge rates resulting from multiple fuel outlets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If antivortex devices are designed for storage tanks without recessed multi-outlet sump, then they can be used in simple tank configurations, but they cannot be effectively installed in tanks with recessed multi-outlet sump required for high discharge rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank configuration compatibilityVSAvoidvapor ingestion suppression

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the antivortex device into the recessed sump area, utilizing the vertical dimension and the geometry of the recessed multi-outlet sump. The vanes are positioned to extend from the sump walls into the fluid flow path, effectively suppressing vortices in the complex geometry of recessed multi-outlet sums.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 antivortex device effectively suppresses vortex formation and vapor ingestion, enhancing engine performance and payload capacity by ensuring efficient liquid propellant discharge even in high gravity conditions and at increased discharge rates, while being compatible with a range of propellants.

Implementation Method 1

increases vortex suppression capability by disrupting kinetic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy disruption:

Implementation Method 2

fluid is wicked through the screens by capillary action, and vapor or gas bubbles are prevented from flowing through the screens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

vapor or gas bubbles are prevented from flowing through the screens due to the bubble point pressure of the fluid screen system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble point pressure:

Data Source

PatentUS9970389B2Antivortex device and method of assembling thereof

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An antivortex device for use in suppressing formation of a vortex created by fluid flowing through multiple outlet ports defined in a sump is provided. The antivortex device includes a plurality of center plates extending through a central axis of the sump, an extension plate substantially aligned with one of the plurality of center plates and extending substantially radially outward from the central axis, and a top plate coupled to the plurality of center plates.