Flap Valve Air Tapping for Turbomachine Nozzle Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air tapping systems for cooling turbomachine nozzle flaps do not allow for modulation of air flow rate, leading to performance penalties for turbojets and are not suitable for all flight phases, as they occupy space, are heavy, and cause air stream disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A device with an annular duct and radially internal wall featuring a flap valve made of an elastically deformable metal plate, controlled by a manoeuvring member, allowing for adjustable air flow through radial axis orifices, which can be manually controlled to optimize performance and reduce mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed air tapping system is used for cooling nozzle flaps, then cooling is provided, but the air flow rate cannot be modulated and performance penalties occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flap valve mechanism that can dynamically adjust the air flow rate through the radial orifice. The flap rotates to different positions (fully closed, fully open, or intermediate) based on operational requirements, enabling modulation of cooling air intake while maintaining turbojet performance across different flight phases.
2Temperature
If air tapping is performed for cooling, then nozzle flap cooling is achieved, but space is occupied and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin flap valve made of elastically deformable material that can rotate to control air flow. This flexible membrane approach allows effective flow control with minimal weight and space occupation compared to rigid valve mechanisms, while still providing reliable cooling air modulation.
3Temperature
If air tapping is performed for cooling, then cooling is provided, but aerodynamic disturbances are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The flap valve provides dynamic control of air flow, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions. By modulating the flap position based on actual cooling needs, the system minimizes unnecessary air flow disturbances while maintaining effective cooling, thereby reducing aerodynamic interference with the main air stream.
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
Enables modulation of air flow rate for efficient cooling of turbomachine nozzle flaps, reducing aerodynamic disturbances and supporting mechanical stresses, while being lightweight and space-efficient, allowing for optimized turbojet performance across various flight phases.
Implementation Method 1
a flap valve for controlling the flow rate of air entering through the orifice, wherein said flap is formed of an elastically deformable metal plate
Implementation Method 2
a stream of air flowing from upstream to downstream which is swept by a radially internal wall of the annular duct
Data Source
AI summary
Device (10) for the tapping of air for the cooling of flaps of a turbojet nozzle, comprising an annular duct (18) having a radially internal wall (22) swept by a stream of air (24) and which comprises at least one air inlet orifice (20), a flap valve (40) for controlling the flow rate of air entering through the orifice (20), formed of an elastically deformable metal plate (42) of which a downstream end is fixed on an edge of the orifice (20), and of which an upstream end can be displaced by a manoeuvring member (46) mobile in translation parallel to the axis (52) of the orifice between a position where the plate (42) seals this orifice and a position where the plate (42) opens this orifice.