Hybrid Start/Run Apparatus for Aircraft Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for starting and powering aircraft engines, such as batteries and generators, are either inefficient, expensive, and difficult to transport due to their size and limited capability for continuous power supply after engine start-up.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid start/run apparatus comprising a multi-wheeled truck with a drive motor, batteries, and a generator, capable of providing both starting and continuous run power to aircraft engines, with the batteries supplying up to 3400 amperes for starting and the generator supplying up to 300 amperes for extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a generator is used to provide starting power, then the required starting power can be generated, but the generator and driving engine must be very large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a battery system and a generator system into a hybrid configuration. The battery provides immediate high current for starting, while the generator provides sustained power for run operations. This merging allows the generator to be much smaller than a standalone starting generator would require, since it only needs to support run power needs, not peak starting demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The power provision function is segmented into two distinct components: a battery subsystem responsible for starting power delivery, and a generator subsystem responsible for run power delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resulting in a smaller overall system compared to using a single oversized generator for both functions.
2Reliability
If a battery is used for starting operations, then the internal battery stress is reduced, but the booster battery cannot provide continuous power after starting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a battery system optimized for starting with a generator system optimized for sustained power delivery. The battery handles the high-current starting operation and protects the aircraft's internal battery from stress, while the generator takes over for continuous run power, eliminating the limitation of battery-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator acts as an intermediary power source that bridges the gap between the battery's limited duration capability and the aircraft's continuous power needs. After the battery provides starting power, the generator is activated to provide sustained run power, effectively mediating the transition from starting to operation mode.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a generator is used instead of a battery, then continuous run power can be provided, but the equipment is difficult to transport and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the portability advantage of battery systems with the continuous power capability of generator systems. The hybrid configuration allows the equipment to be easily transported like a battery system while providing continuous run power like a generator system, resolving the contradiction between portability and sustained power delivery.
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 hybrid apparatus is compact, inexpensive, and easy to transport, enabling efficient starting and continuous power supply to aircraft engines, reducing the need for large and costly generators while allowing for easy operation and recharging of batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of batteries mounted on the transport assembly. The batteries and generator are coupled in parallel to cables adapted to be coupled to a remotely located engine. The batteries are capable of supplying starting electrical power to the remotely located engine
Implementation Method 2
a mating generator coupled to be driven by the engine. The generator is capable of supplying run electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
Hybrid start/run apparatus for engines includes a transport assembly and a hybrid start/run assembly. The transport assembly includes a multi-wheeled truck with at least a front wheel and two rear wheels, a drive motor attached to the rear wheels, transport control apparatus connected to the drive motor and including forward, reverse, and speed controls, and steering apparatus coupled to the at least one front wheel. The hybrid start/run assembly includes an engine, a mating generator couple to be driven by the engine and a plurality of batteries mounted on the transport assembly, and cables adapted to be coupled to a remotely located engine. The control apparatus couples the generator and the plurality of batteries to the cables in at least a start/run position.