Inflatable Jet Nozzle Area Control for Lighter Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet nozzle effective area adjustment mechanisms in gas turbine engines are bulky, heavy, and expensive due to the use of multiple actuators, segmented panels, and mechanical arms, which increase the size and weight of the engine.
Innovation Solution
A jet nozzle effective area control system utilizing inflatable diaphragms and fluid pressure control, where a fluid pressure sensor, inlet valve, and release valve work together to adjust the effective area of the nozzle by inflating or deflating the diaphragm, reducing the need for mechanical complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators, segmented panels, and mechanical arms are used to adjust jet nozzle effective area, then the nozzle effective area can be adjusted, but the size and weight of the engine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with an inflatable diaphragm system. Instead of using multiple actuators, mechanical arms, and pivot joints to adjust the nozzle effective area, the invention uses a flexible diaphragm that can be inflated or deflated to change the nozzle geometry. This substitution of mechanical systems with a pneumatic/inflatable system dramatically reduces the weight and mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust the effective area of the jet nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inflatable diaphragm made of flexible material to control the jet nozzle effective area. The diaphragm can be inflated to push against the nozzle panels, causing them to move and reduce the effective area, or deflated to allow the panels to return to their original position. This use of flexible shells and thin films eliminates the need for rigid mechanical actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing engine weight and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators, segmented panels, and mechanical arms are used to adjust jet nozzle effective area, then the nozzle effective area can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with an inflatable diaphragm system. Instead of using multiple actuators, mechanical arms, and pivot joints to adjust the nozzle effective area, the invention uses a flexible diaphragm that can be inflated or deflated to change the nozzle geometry. This substitution of mechanical systems with a pneumatic/inflatable system dramatically reduces the weight and mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust the effective area of the jet nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple mechanical components into a single inflatable diaphragm system. Rather than having separate actuators, mechanical arms, and linkage mechanisms working together to achieve nozzle area adjustment, the invention combines these functions into one integrated inflatable structure that can control the effective area through pressure differential alone, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compressed air is used to inflate the diaphragm, then the effective area can be reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes compressed air that is already present in the gas turbine engine system to inflate the diaphragm. The compressed air is bled from the compressor, which would otherwise be wasted or used for other purposes. By using this existing compressed air resource to control the nozzle effective area, the system achieves adaptability without significant additional energy consumption, as the air is already compressed and pressurized within the engine's normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs compressed air that serves multiple functions within the gas turbine engine system. The same compressed air from the compressor is used both for engine operation and for controlling the jet nozzle effective area via diaphragm inflation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve nozzle area control without requiring a separate energy source or additional compression work, thereby minimizing additional energy consumption.
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 system provides a compact and efficient means to adjust the jet nozzle area, enhancing engine performance and efficiency by modulating the nozzle opening based on operational conditions, thereby reducing size, weight, and mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one inflatable diaphragm may be configured to expand into the jet nozzle when the fluid pressure within the at least one inflatable diaphragm is increased such that an effective area of the jet nozzle is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine for an aircraft includes an outer bypass section wall, and a jet nozzle including at least one inflatable diaphragm. The at least one inflatable diaphragm is disposed along the outer bypass section wall. The gas turbine engine also includes a fluid pressure sensor configured to measure a fluid pressure within the at least one inflatable diaphragm, an inlet valve configured to control a pressurized flow of a fluid into the at least one inflatable diaphragm in response to a command from a controller, and a release valve configured to control a release of the fluid from within the at least one inflatable diaphragm in response to a command from the controller.