Compressor shroud with controllable bypass component formed of thermally adaptive materials and a thermoelectric junction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft components, such as compressor shrouds, face challenges in achieving selectively closable bypasses without the need for complex machinery or moving parts, as working fluid temperatures can undesirably control the shape of memory shape alloys.

Innovation Solution

A compressor case is designed with a composition gradient that defines different coefficients of thermal expansion, combined with a thermoelectric junction, to create a selectively closable bypass. This configuration allows for controlled deformation of the component without moving parts, utilizing a lattice of beads with varying thermal expansion properties and a thermoelectric junction for thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If memory shape alloy is used to form bypasses in compressor shrouds, then the bypasses can be selectively closable without moving parts, but the shape of the alloy is undesirably controlled by working fluid temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectively closable bypassVSAvoidshape control of alloy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor shroud is segmented into multiple regions with different material compositions. The bypass region uses a first material composition while other regions use a second material composition, allowing independent thermal response control of different sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the compressor shroud are assigned different material properties (coefficients of thermal expansion) according to their specific functional requirements. The bypass area has tailored thermal expansion characteristics to enable selective opening/closing independent of overall temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If composition gradient with different coefficients of thermal expansion is used, then controlled deformation is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled deformationVSAvoidcomposition gradient structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a thermal-field-based solution. By utilizing composition gradients and differential thermal expansion, the bypass opening/closing is achieved through thermal fields rather than mechanical moving parts, simplifying the overall system despite material complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor shroud employs composite material structures with spatially varying compositions. The composition gradient creates different coefficients of thermal expansion in different regions, enabling controlled deformation patterns that achieve bypass control without complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If bypasses are constantly in an opened state, then flow passage is maintained, but energy losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow passageVSAvoidenergy losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass is designed to be dynamically controllable rather than statically fixed. The composition gradient structure responds to thermal inputs to dynamically adjust the bypass state between open and closed, optimizing the balance between flow passage requirements and energy loss prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters (temperature distribution) to control the bypass state. By applying localized thermal inputs, the composition gradient structure changes its dimensional parameters to open or close the bypass, enabling energy-efficient operation while maintaining flow when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables a compressor case with a selectively closable bypass, minimizing energy losses by allowing controlled opening and closing of the bypass port through thermal input, thus enhancing the efficiency of the aircraft component.

Implementation Method 1

a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

a thermoelectric junction operationally coupled to the composition gradient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250084859A1Compressor shroud with controllable bypass component formed of thermally adaptive materials and a thermoelectric junction

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A compressor case having a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a thermoelectric junction operationally coupled to the composition gradient, wherein the composition gradient is formed of either of a plurality of dissimilar metals or of plastic with fillings or fibers.