Co-Flow Jet Fluid System Debris Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid systems for aircraft propulsion and lift generation do not effectively address debris entry, which reduces efficiency and do not provide alternatives for altering fluid flow to enhance propulsion and lift.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system comprising a first and second body portion, spacers, fluid pressurizers, and actuators that define injection and suction openings and channels, allowing for fluid flow regulation and debris accumulation in a cavity, enabling efficient propulsion and lift generation while preventing debris from affecting system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conduit is used to combine propulsion and lift-generating systems, then system integration and efficiency are improved, but debris can enter the conduit and reduce system effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is divided into multiple sections with strategic openings that allow debris to be expelled before entering the propulsion system. The conduit includes a first opening for debris ejection and a second opening positioned downstream, creating segmented zones that protect the internal propulsion mechanisms from contamination while maintaining fluid flow integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable panel is introduced as an intermediary element within the conduit. This panel can be positioned to block the second opening when debris is detected, preventing harmful particles from reaching the propulsion system while allowing fluid flow to continue uninterrupted. The panel acts as a protective mediator between the external environment and the internal propulsion mechanisms.
2Reliability
If traditional propulsion and lift systems are used separately, then system reliability is maintained, but overall efficiency and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate propulsion and lift-generating systems into a single integrated conduit structure. The conduit receives fluid from both systems and delivers it to the propulsion mechanisms, creating a merged system that maintains the reliability of individual components while achieving improved overall efficiency through unified fluid management and coordinated operation.
3Power
If fluid flow through the conduit is increased to enhance propulsion, then propulsion effectiveness is improved, but debris accumulation in the conduit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary debris removal actions by expelling harmful particles through the first opening before they can accumulate in the propulsion system. The movable panel is positioned in advance to block the second opening when debris is detected, preventing accumulation before it affects propulsion effectiveness. This preliminary protective action allows high fluid flow rates to be maintained without risking debris-related failures.
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 system enhances propulsion and lift by regulating fluid flow and preventing debris from interfering with the fluid system, thereby maintaining efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid pressurizer disposed within the channel
Implementation Method 2
A co-flow jet is injected into an oncoming fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
A suction opening positioned downstream from the injection opening
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid systems are described. An example fluid system has a first body portion, a second body portion, a spacer, and a fluid pressurizer. The first body portion and the second body portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion. The first body portion defines a cavity that is sized and configured to filter debris that enters the channel during use and provide a mechanism for removing the debris from the system.