Blended Wing Propulsion Layout With Dual Thrust Vectoring Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blended wing aircraft designs face reduced maneuverability due to the large size of the body compared to the wings, necessitating improvements in aircraft control and aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining cargo space.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a propulsion system with a first and second thrust vectoring system, each operable with a respective engine, allowing for adjustable thrust vectors to enhance maneuverability and control, including slat assemblies and actuators to redirect airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a blended wing aircraft design is used to maintain cargo space, then cargo capacity is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft control system is segmented into multiple independent thrust vectoring systems, with each engine having its own vectoring capability. This allows differential thrust control where one engine can be vectored to compensate for the lack of traditional control surfaces, improving maneuverability while maintaining the blended wing cargo space
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust vectoring systems provide dynamic control capability by allowing the thrust direction of each engine to be independently adjusted. This dynamic thrust vectoring compensates for the reduced maneuverability inherent in blended wing designs, enabling the aircraft to maintain agility despite the cargo-optimized configuration
2Loss of energy
If traditional control surfaces are minimized to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but control authority deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudders) are replaced with a thrust vectoring system that uses engine thrust direction control to achieve aircraft attitude changes. This substitution maintains aerodynamic efficiency by minimizing control surfaces while providing adequate control authority through vectored thrust
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the parameter of thrust direction rather than relying on control surface deflection. By independently controlling the thrust vector angle of each engine, the system achieves control authority equivalent to or exceeding traditional surfaces while maintaining superior aerodynamic efficiency
3Ease of operation
If thrust vectoring systems are added to improve maneuverability, then maneuverability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust vectoring system serves multiple functions: it provides maneuverability enhancement, compensates for unbalanced thrust during engine failure, and replaces traditional control surfaces. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple performance benefits from a single system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is merged into the propulsion system itself. Rather than having separate control surfaces and propulsion, the thrust vectoring capability is integrated directly into the engine mounts and exhaust systems, combining propulsion and control functions into a unified system
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 thrust vectoring systems improve aircraft maneuverability, stability, and safety by minimizing control surfaces, compensating for unbalanced thrust, and reducing brake wear, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and cargo space.
Implementation Method 1
a first thrust vectoring system operable with the first engine to adjust a first thrust vector from the first engine, and a second thrust vectoring system operable with the second engine to adjust a second thrust vector from the second engine
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft is provided defining a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending along the longitudinal direction, the aircraft including: a body; a pair of wings extending outward from the body along the lateral direction, each wing of the pair of wings defining a leading edge; and a propulsion system comprising a first engine and a second engine spaced from one another along the lateral direction, the propulsion system further comprising a first thrust vectoring system operable with the first engine and a second thrust vectoring system operable with the second engine.