Deployable Fluid Flow Channel for Emergency Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency power generators in vehicles, such as aircraft, face inefficiencies in power generation due to suboptimal fluid flow management, particularly in scenarios where power loss necessitates alternative energy sources like ram air turbines.
Innovation Solution
A deployable fluid flow channel apparatus comprising a first and second loop coupled to a vehicle via fasteners, with a flexible material forming a tapered channel to increase fluid velocity, directing airflow to an emergency power generator, and tension lines to maintain the channel's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a ram air turbine is used as an emergency power generator, then power can be generated during vehicle power loss, but the power output is insufficient due to suboptimal fluid flow management
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material is pre-configured with loop structures and fastening mechanisms that enable automatic deployment into a tapered channel configuration when triggered, preparing the fluid flow path in advance to optimize airflow to the ram air turbine during emergency power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material dynamically transitions from a stowed configuration to a deployed tapered channel configuration, allowing the fluid flow channel to adapt its shape and orientation to optimize airflow velocity and direction to the emergency power generator based on operational conditions
2Power
If a nozzle is added to concentrate and increase air flow velocity toward the ram air turbine, then power generation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material forms a deployable nozzle structure using thin, flexible elements that can be easily stored and deployed, creating a tapered channel to concentrate and accelerate airflow to the ram air turbine without adding significant structural complexity or weight to the emergency power generation system
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle structure is designed to dynamically deploy from a compact stowed state to an extended tapered configuration, allowing the system to achieve optimized airflow concentration and velocity increase only when needed during emergency operations, thereby minimizing complexity during normal operations
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
Enhances power output of emergency power generators by increasing fluid velocity and ensuring efficient airflow redirection during emergency conditions, thereby supporting critical systems like cabin air compressors and ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible material forming a tapered channel to increase fluid velocity
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods to deploy a fluid flow channel are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first loop coupled to an outside surface of a vehicle via a first fastener, a second loop coupled to the vehicle and disposed a distance from the first loop, and a flexible material having a first end coupled to the first loop and a second end coupled to the second loop, where the flexible material is to form a fluid flow channel between the first loop and the second loop.