Aircraft Intake Inflatable Boot for Foreign Matter Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion system air intakes struggle with efficient separation of foreign matter such as ice, debris, and debris-induced ice accumulation, leading to potential engine damage and reduced air intake efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable boot with a flexible material is positioned in the air intake to control airflow, selectively inflated or deflated by a fluid regulator to manage airflow paths and separate foreign matter, enhancing separation efficiency and reducing pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing air intake systems are used for foreign matter separation, then the structure is simple, but the separation efficiency is insufficient and pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable splitter that can change its position dynamically based on operational conditions. The splitter transitions between retracted and extended positions to optimize airflow patterns during different flight regimes, thereby improving foreign matter separation efficiency while minimizing pressure loss. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying airspeeds and icing conditions without incurring excessive energy penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes airflow parameters by adjusting the splitter position to control the separation between core and bypass airflow. By varying the splitter angle and position, the system optimizes the inertial separation of foreign matter from the intake air, improving separation efficiency while maintaining acceptable pressure characteristics across different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing air intake systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to varying operational conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The movable splitter is integrated with a control system that automatically adjusts its position based on detected operational conditions such as airspeed and icing presence. This dynamic capability enables the air intake to adapt to various flight regimes including high-speed cruise, low-speed approach, and icing conditions, significantly enhancing versatility without requiring multiple discrete systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect operational parameters and feed this information to the control system, which then adjusts the splitter position accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the air intake to automatically adapt to changing conditions such as icing detection or airspeed variations, improving versatility while keeping the control logic integrated and manageable.
3Reliability
If foreign matter separation is enhanced, then engine protection is improved, but air intake efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable splitter dynamically adjusts its position to optimize the balance between foreign matter separation and air intake efficiency. During conditions requiring enhanced separation (such as high icing risk), the splitter extends to create stronger flow separation. During normal conditions, the splitter retracts to minimize interference with the airflow, thereby maintaining high intake efficiency while still providing adequate engine protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different airflow treatment qualities to different regions of the intake. The movable splitter creates localized flow separation zones where foreign matter is diverted away from the core airflow path, while the majority of the intake area maintains smooth, efficient airflow. This localized approach to flow control protects the engine without significantly compromising overall intake performance.
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 inflatable boot effectively separates foreign matter, minimizing engine ingestion and maintaining air intake efficiency by adapting to varying operational conditions, thus protecting the engine and optimizing performance.
Implementation Method 1
selectively positioning the inflatable boot may include directing a pressurized fluid to the inflatable boot to inflate the inflatable boot
Implementation Method 2
The fluid regulator may be in fluid communication with the compressor. The fluid regulator may be configured to receive a pressurized fluid from the compressor and direct the pressurized fluid to the inflatable boot
Implementation Method 3
US 2009/139398 A1 discloses a prior art inertial inlet particle separator system
Data Source
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AI summary
An air intake (36) for an aircraft propulsion system (10) includes an air inlet duct (54), a core flow duct (56), a bypass flow duct (58), a splitter (60), and a flow control device (114). The air inlet duct (54) includes an intake inlet (64) and a gas path floor (62). The core flow duct (56) includes a core flow outlet (68). The bypass flow duct (58) includes a bypass flow outlet (72). The bypass flow duct (58) includes the gas path floor (62). The splitter (60) separates the core flow duct (56) and the bypass flow duct (58). The flow control device (114) is disposed on a portion of the gas path floor (62). The flow control device (114) is configured to be selectively positioned to control an air flow path for air flowing through the air inlet duct (54), the core flow duct (56), and the bypass flow duct (58).