Hinged Grate Jet Engine Screen Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen devices for jet engines do not incorporate a hingedly disposed grate on the intake to effectively protect against debris while allowing for servicing access.

Innovation Solution

A mounting ring with a hingedly disposed grate, comprising intersecting members and a rigid material, is mounted to the jet engine intake, allowing the grate to be positioned closed to block debris and open for access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screen device is mounted to protect the jet engine from debris, then the jet engine is protected from debris, but the mounting ring must be removed for servicing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from debrisVSAvoidaccess for servicing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grate is made movable through a hinged connection to the mounting ring, allowing it to switch between a closed position that protects the jet engine and an open position that provides access for servicing. This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by enabling the screen device to adapt its state based on operational versus maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed screen device is used to block debris, then debris protection is effective, but access to the jet engine is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris entry preventionVSAvoidservice access

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grate transitions from a fixed barrier to a movable component that can be opened. When closed, it effectively blocks debris; when opened, it provides unobstructed access to the jet engine for servicing, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the grate is made rigid to block debris, then debris protection is improved, but the grate cannot be easily opened for servicing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris blocking capabilityVSAvoidease of opening

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grate maintains rigidity in its closed position to effectively block debris, while the hinged connection enables easy opening and closing motions. This combination of rigid structure with a simple rotational joint resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a hinged grate is used to allow access, then servicing is easier, but the grate may not effectively block debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice accessVSAvoiddebris protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged connection is designed to maintain the grate in a stable closed position that effectively blocks debris while allowing controlled opening for servicing. The hinge provides rotational freedom for access but constrains the grate to remain sealed when closed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability of protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11591961B1Jet engine screen assembly

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 STRICKLAND CEDRIC

AI summary

A jet engine screen assembly for protecting a jet engine from debris includes a mounting ring which forms a closed loop thereby facilitating the mounting ring to be mounted to an intake of a jet engine. A grate is hingedly disposed on the mounting ring. The grate is comprised of a plurality of intersecting members that are arranged to define a plurality of holes to facilitate air to pass through the grate. The grate is comprised of a rigid material to inhibit debris from entering into the jet engine. The grate is positionable in a closed position has the grate covering the intake of the jet engine. Conversely, the grate is positionable in an open position having the grate being displaced from the intake of the jet engine.