Integrated IPS Blower Engine Starter for Aircraft Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing separate inlet particle separator (IPS) blower and engine starter systems in vehicles, such as aircraft, increase weight and parts inventory costs due to their distinct components.
Innovation Solution
An integrated inlet particle separator (IPS) blower/engine starter system that combines a housing with a rotatably supported turbine member and a geared member, operable in two configurations: one for starting the prime mover and another for generating a fluid flow to clean airflow, reducing the need for separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate IPS blower and engine starter systems are used, then each system can perform its specific function reliably, but vehicle weight increases and parts inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the IPS blower and engine starter into a single integrated unit that performs both functions. The housing contains both the turbine member for starter operation and the rotor blades for IPS blower operation, merging two separate systems into one unified component that reduces weight while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can receive fluid flow to rotate the geared member for engine starting, and it can generate fluid flow through powered rotation for IPS operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems while preserving the reliability of both functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate IPS blower and engine starter systems are used, then each system can be optimized for its specific purpose, but parts inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the IPS blower and engine starter into one integrated unit with shared components (housing, turbine member, rotor blades), the patent reduces the total quantity of parts that need to be inventoried and maintained, while each function remains optimized through dedicated operational configurations
3Ease of operation
If separate IPS blower and engine starter systems are used, then each system can operate independently, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design combines both systems into one unit that can still operate independently for each function through selective fluid flow routing. This reduces maintenance requirements by consolidating seals, bearings, and housing into a single assembly that needs to be maintained as one unit rather than two separate systems
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
This integration reduces vehicle weight, parts inventory, and maintenance by combining the functions of both systems into a single unit, effectively initiating prime mover activation and generating particle-free airflow.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine member is rotatably supported in the housing. A geared member operatively connected to the turbine member extends outward from the housing. The integrated IPS blower/engine starter is operable in a first configuration receiving a first fluid flow to rotate the geared member
Implementation Method 2
The IPS employs a cyclonic stream of fluids, such as air, to separate particles from an inlet airflow
Implementation Method 3
The IPS employs a cyclonic stream of fluids, such as air, to separate particles from an inlet airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated inlet particle separator (IPS) blower/engine starter including a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A turbine member is rotatably supported in the housing. A geared member operatively connected to the turbine member extends outward from the housing. The integrated IPS blower/engine starter is operable in a first configuration receiving a first fluid flow to rotate the geared member and in a second configuration generating a fluid flow through powered rotation of the geared member.