Deformable Bypass Nozzle Element for Aircraft Gas Turbine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft gas turbine designs with variable bypass nozzles require complex and costly actuation systems, lead to flow disruptions, and suffer from material aging issues, while also reducing sound absorption and increasing weight due to the need for multiple components and elaborate adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A deformable, radially adjustable bypass nozzle element integrated into the inner structure of the core engine cowling, which can be easily actuated to change the bypass nozzle cross-section without requiring extensive energy input, and is designed with a sound absorption feature to enhance noise reduction and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If segmented parts of the trailing edge are moved radially by actuating devices, then the bypass nozzle can be adjusted, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebypass nozzle adjustabilityVSAvoidactuation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane element within the bypass nozzle that can deform radially to adjust the nozzle cross-section. This flexible membrane replaces complex segmented mechanical actuators, allowing the nozzle area to be variable while maintaining a simple, integrated structure without multiple moving parts or complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire trailing edge is designed as a moveable ring, then the bypass nozzle can be adjusted axially, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebypass nozzle adjustabilityVSAvoidbypass cowling weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a heavy moveable ring structure, the invention uses a flexible membrane element that can be actuated with minimal force to change the bypass nozzle cross-section. This membrane is integrated into the existing bypass cowling structure, avoiding the need for heavy moveable rings while achieving the same adaptability function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable mechanisms are placed at the trailing edge of the bypass casing, then the bypass nozzle can be controlled, but the required thickness and axial length increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebypass nozzle controlVSAvoidaxial length of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from axial movement mechanisms to radial deformation of a flexible membrane element. By actuating the membrane radially inward or outward, the bypass nozzle cross-section is adjusted without requiring axial movement, thereby reducing the axial length and thickness requirements of the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used for bypass nozzle adjustment, then the nozzle can be controlled, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebypass nozzle controlVSAvoidproduction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane element is integrated directly into the bypass cowling structure as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate adjustable segments, rings, or actuation mechanisms. This merging of functions into a single integrated structure simplifies manufacturing and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining bypass nozzle controllability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the design and production of the bypass nozzle, reduces weight, minimizes flow disruptions, and enhances noise absorption while maintaining structural integrity and ease of maintenance, using a lightweight and cost-effective material.

Implementation Method 1

an adjusting element (33) extending in the circumferential direction of the inner wall and deformable radially outwards and hence into the bypass duct (29)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8850824B2Aircraft gas turbine with variable bypass nozzle by deforming element
Publication Date: 2014.10.07 ROLLS ROYCE DEUT LTD & CO KG
  • US8850824B2 patent drawing
  • US8850824B2 patent drawing
  • US8850824B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an aircraft gas turbine with a core engine which is surrounded by a bypass duct enclosed radially outwards by a bypass wall, with a radially inner wall of the bypass duct forming with the radially outer bypass wall a bypass nozzle, and with the radially inner wall including an adjusting element extending along the circumference of the inner wall and being deformable radially outwards.