Fluidic Propulsion Device Airframe Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft propulsion systems face issues with turbulence-induced drag and lift reduction due to airflow circulation, and the risk of damage from foreign objects ingesting rotating propelling members, which are not effectively addressed by current solutions.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a fluidic propulsion device with a peripheral nozzle into the aircraft airframe elements, such as wings and nacelles, that injects high-speed airflows to accelerate and re-adhere the boundary layer airflow, reducing drag and enhancing lift without a rotating propelling member, and utilizing a conventional propulsion device for supplementary high-speed airflow supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a rotating propelling member is used to accelerate airflow, then propulsion force is generated, but the risk of damage from foreign objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoidrisk of damage from foreign objects

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rotating propelling member (mechanical system) with a fluidic propulsion device that uses high-speed airflow injection to accelerate external airflow. This substitution eliminates the rotating components that are vulnerable to foreign object damage while maintaining the propulsion function through fluid dynamic mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a fluidic propulsion device that injects high-speed airflow into an internal cavity to accelerate external airflow. This pneumatic system eliminates the need for mechanical rotating parts, thereby reducing the risk of foreign object damage while generating propulsion force through air flow acceleration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Power

If airflow circulates along airframe elements, then propulsion is achieved, but turbulence increases drag and reduces lift

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepropulsionVSAvoidturbulence-induced drag

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by integrating the fluidic propulsion device specifically into the airframe element where boundary layer re-adhesion is needed. The peripheral nozzle is positioned to locally accelerate airflow at critical locations, improving re-adhesion without requiring modification of the entire airframe surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow parameters by injecting high-speed airflow that alters the boundary layer characteristics. This parameter change (increased local flow velocity) promotes laminar flow and reduces turbulence, thereby decreasing drag and improving lift while maintaining propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If a fluidic propulsion device is mounted via support arm/pylon, then propulsion is achieved, but the device is disturbed by turbulence in the vicinity of the airframe element

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepropulsionVSAvoiddisturbance from turbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fluidic propulsion device with the airframe element by integrating the peripheral nozzle directly into the airframe structure. This integration eliminates the support arm/pylon configuration that exposed the device to turbulence, while the device continues to function by utilizing the boundary layer flow over the airframe surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 fluidic propulsion system improves re-adhesion of the boundary layer, reduces turbulence, and enhances propulsion efficiency while minimizing the risk of damage from foreign objects, providing additional lift and propulsion support to conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

the peripheral nozzle comprising openings configured to inject a plurality of high-speed airflows into the internal cavity so as to accelerate the external airflow upstream to downstream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-speed airflow injection: Jet

Implementation Method 2

enable the acceleration of an external airflow circulating from upstream to downstream on said airframe element so as to improve its re-adhesion to said airframe element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoundary layer re-adhesion: Boundary Layer

Implementation Method 3

accelerate the external airflow upstream to downstream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow acceleration: Jet

Implementation Method 4

improve re-adhesion of the boundary layer that undergoes turbulence in the vicinity of an airframe element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS20230249805A1Aircraft comprising at least one fluidic propulsion device integrated into an airframe element and method of use

Publication Date: 2023.08.10 SAFRAN NACELLES

AI summary

An aircraft having an airframe with several airframe elements and at least one fluidic propulsion device with a peripheral nozzle defining an internal cavity in which an external airflow circulates, the peripheral nozzle having openings configured to inject a plurality of high-speed airflows into the internal cavity so as to accelerate the external airflow in an upstream to downstream manner. A portion of the peripheral nozzle can be integrated into an airframe element so as to enable acceleration of an external airflow circulating from upstream to downstream on said airframe element so as to improve its re-adhesion to said airframe element.