External Flap Retaining Mechanism for Turbine Engine Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine nozzle external flap connection mechanisms are heavy, prone to interference with other aircraft components, and difficult to disconnect, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs when replacement is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A retaining mechanism with a slider track and locking assembly that allows for easy installation and removal of external flaps, using a retaining member with a rotational bearing and fasteners that prevent interference and facilitate smooth sliding and adjustment of the flaps, enabling efficient control of nozzle opening size and thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy opening and closing mechanism is used for external flaps, then the nozzle area control is achieved, but the mechanism interferes with other aircraft components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the external flap from the traditional heavy opening/closing mechanism and connects it directly to the nozzle body via a retaining mechanism. This eliminates the interfering mechanism while maintaining nozzle area control through flap positioning relative to the nozzle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The external flap serves multiple functions: it controls nozzle area for thrust regulation and simultaneously acts as a structural component directly integrated with the nozzle body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy actuation mechanisms.
2Strength
If a traditional connection mechanism is used for external flaps, then the flaps are securely connected to the nozzle, but disconnecting and replacing the flaps becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the retaining mechanism with retaining members, the slider track, and the external flap with support arms. This segmentation allows the flap to be independently removed by releasing the retaining members while leaving the nozzle body and slider track intact, facilitating easy replacement while maintaining secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with movable retaining members that can be released and reengaged. The slider track allows controlled movement, and the retaining members can be quickly disengaged for maintenance and reengaged for operation, providing both strength during use and ease of repair during maintenance.
3Reliability
If multiple flaps are arranged circumferentially around the nozzle opening, then greater control over nozzle opening size is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential control is achieved through segmentation of the nozzle into multiple discrete flap sections arranged around the opening. Each flap can be independently positioned, allowing precise control of the effective nozzle area without requiring a single complex movable structure. The retaining mechanism is also segmented with multiple retaining members corresponding to each flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle opening size is controlled by changing the angular position of multiple discrete flaps rather than moving a single large component. Each flap's position is a controllable parameter, and by adjusting these parameters independently, precise control over the effective opening area is achieved while using simpler individual flap structures.
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 reduces repair complexity and time, allows for precise control of nozzle opening, and minimizes interference with other aircraft components, thereby lowering maintenance costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining member includes a rotational bearing that allows for smooth sliding and adjustment of the external flap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
An external flap connection assembly for a turbine engine nozzle (10) has a track frame (410), a slider track (420), and an external flap (24). The external flap (24) is removably connected to the slider track (420) via a retaining member (154) which has a slider block (230).