Drain System for Aircraft Propulsion Nacelle Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in efficiently draining fluids from the inner nacelle portion, leading to potential flow losses and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid drain system comprising a catch tray engaged with a drain mast, where the drain mast extends through the bypass duct and includes a first and second fluid passage, providing an effective drainage mechanism with minimal flow losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lower bifurcation with drainage structure is used to drain fluids from the inner nacelle portion, then fluid drainage capability is improved, but flow losses in the bypass air flow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is segmented from the main bypass flow path by introducing a separate drain mast with fluid passages. The drain mast creates independent drainage channels that collect fluids from the inner nacelle portion and discharge them externally, preventing fluid accumulation while minimizing interference with the primary bypass air flow through the nacelle.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain mast acts as an intermediary structure between the inner nacelle portion and the external environment. It provides a dedicated pathway for fluid removal using its fluid passages, which serve as mediators to transport fluids away from the critical bypass flow area without directly obstructing the main air flow path.
2Strength
If the upper bifurcation extends a substantial axial length to provide structural support, then structural strength is improved, but flow losses within the bypass air flow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is segmented from the bypass flow path by positioning the upper bifurcation at the top circumferential position rather than extending it axially through the flow path. This segmentation allows the bifurcation to provide necessary structural support while minimizing its interference with the bypass air flow, reducing flow losses.
3Reliability
If drainage structure is disposed within the lower bifurcation to permit fluid drainage, then fluid collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain mast serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a bifurcation element, creates drainage pathways through its fluid passages, and acts as a support for the catch tray. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated drainage components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective fluid collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch tray is nested within and supported by the drain mast structure. The catch tray utilizes the space within the drain mast's fluid passages to collect and channel fluids, creating a nested arrangement where one component (catch tray) is integrated within another (drain mast), reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall drainage system.
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 proposed fluid drain system effectively collects and drains fluids from the inner nacelle portion, reducing flow losses and enhancing the operational efficiency of the aircraft propulsion system.
Implementation Method 1
The catch tray is disposed radially inside of the inner nacelle wall... The drain mast includes a first fluid passage in fluid communication with the catch tray
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system includes a gas turbine engine and a nacelle. The nacelle has inner and outer nacelle portions, an upper bifurcation, and a fluid drain system. The inner nacelle portion is disposed radially outside of the gas turbine engine. The outer nacelle portion is disposed radially outside of the inner nacelle portion. An annular bypass duct is disposed between the inner and outer nacelle portions. The upper bifurcation extends through the bypass duct between the inner and outer nacelle portions. The fluid drain system includes a catch tray engaged with a drain mast. The catch tray is disposed radially inside of an inner nacelle wall. The drain mast extends through the bypass duct between the catch tray and a drain mast outer radial end. The outer radial end of the drain mast is engaged with the outer nacelle portion. The drain mast includes first and second fluid passages.