Deployable Noise Shield Panels for Aircraft Engine Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft, including blended wing body (BWB) configurations, face challenges in reducing noise pollution during takeoff and landing, as engine noise affects both human health and the environment, with existing noise reduction methods increasing drag and affecting flight efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Deployable noise shield panels, hinged and actuated by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical means, are installed near main engines to deflect noise upwards during terminal operations, retracting during flight to minimize aerodynamic loads and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed reflector fins are used to reduce noise, then noise reduction is achieved, but aerodynamic loads and drag increase during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies deployable noise shield panels that can be dynamically deployed during terminal operations (takeoff and landing) and retracted during flight. This dynamic configuration allows the noise shields to provide noise reduction when needed while minimizing aerodynamic drag during flight by being retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and energy loss.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise shield panels are deployed during terminal operations, then noise pollution is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable noise shield panels use a hinged mechanism with hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuators that can be controlled through existing aircraft systems. This dynamic deployment capability allows noise reduction during terminal operations while maintaining relatively simple integration with the aircraft's existing control infrastructure, managing the complexity trade-off.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed noise reflectors are used, then noise reduction is continuous, but weight and drag increase throughout flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements retractable noise shield panels that can be stowed during flight and deployed only during terminal operations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the aircraft to carry the necessary noise reduction equipment without permanently incurring the weight and drag penalties, as the shields are only present in the airflow during phases when noise reduction is actually needed.
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 noise shield panels effectively reduce noise pollution in surrounding areas during terminal operations without compromising flight efficiency by deploying only during takeoff and landing, minimizing aerodynamic impact when retracted.
Implementation Method 1
The panels are designed to be deployed when in terminal operations (e.g. when the aircraft is at or near an aircraft terminal or on a runway). The panels are lowered either before takeoff, during takeoff, or after takeoff.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for providing noise shielding are described herein. In some examples, noise shields are installed proximate to one or more of the main engines of the aircraft. The noise shields can be extended during terminal operations and retracted during flight operations.