Integral Skin Section with Active Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active flow control devices for vehicles, particularly aircraft, require significant structural space and weight due to the need for additional reinforcing components and seals, which complicates manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A flow body with an integrated active flow control device manufactured using a layer manufacturing process, where the air discharge section is designed as a load-bearing segment of the planar skin section, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing components and seals, and incorporating a plenum chamber and air duct for air conveyance, reducing weight and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional active flow control devices are used with separate reinforcing components and seals, then structural strength is ensured, but weight and structural space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air discharge section with the skin section to form an integral component manufactured in a single piece using layer manufacturing processes. This merging eliminates separate reinforcing components and seals, thereby reducing weight while maintaining structural strength through the integrated design where the air discharge section itself provides structural support to the skin section.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional active flow control devices with separate components are used, then manufacturing and assembly are possible, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The skin section and air discharge section are merged into a single integral component manufactured using layer manufacturing processes. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, seals, and joining operations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture through additive manufacturing technology.
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate reinforcing components are added to support the skin section, then structural stability is improved, but the required structural space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge section is integrated with the skin section to form an integral component where the air discharge section itself provides structural support. This eliminates the need for separate reinforcing components that would occupy additional structural space, while the layered manufacturing process enables complex geometries that maintain structural stability with minimal volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for active flow control, then functional requirements are met, but weight reduction and space reduction objectives are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The skin section and air discharge section are merged into a single integral component that simultaneously provides both structural support and active flow control functionality. This integration achieves weight reduction while maintaining full flow control functionality through the combined design where the air discharge section serves dual purposes: structural support and air conveyance for flow control.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow body for a vehicle includes at least one planar skin section with an outer side, an inner side and at least one opening that penetrates the skin section, as well as at least one active flow control device that is designed for moving an air volume. The at least one active flow control device includes an air discharge section that is fluidically connected to the at least one opening, wherein the air discharge section and the at least one planar skin section are manufactured by a layer manufacturing process in the form an integral component that is free of joints, and wherein the air discharge section at least partially supports the skin section in a load-bearing fashion.