Internal-Parallel Inlet Mode Conversion with Variable Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Turbine-Based Combined-Cycle (TBCC) engine inlets require complex and heavy actuating mechanisms for mode conversion and variable geometry adjustments, leading to increased weight, complexity, and control difficulties, as well as thermal protection and sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
An internal-parallel inlet with mode conversion combined with variable geometry adjustment, utilizing a single set of actuating mechanisms to control both processes, featuring a high-speed and low-speed channel with a flow distribution plate, flexible diffusion section, and a driving device to achieve mode conversion and geometry adjustments, reducing the complexity and weight of the actuating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of actuating mechanisms are used for mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment, then the inlet can adapt to different flight conditions, but the weight and complexity of the actuating mechanism increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment into a single integrated actuating mechanism. The flow distribution plate is designed with both mode conversion functionality and variable geometry adjustment capability, allowing one actuating mechanism to perform multiple functions that previously required two separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution plate is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as a mode conversion device and a variable geometry adjustment device. By making the flow distribution plate movable and integrating it with the actuating mechanism, it can perform multiple functions including mode selection and geometry adjustment, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of actuating mechanisms are used for mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment, then the inlet can adapt to different flight conditions, but the control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions into a single actuating mechanism that simultaneously controls both mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment. This integration simplifies the control system architecture and reduces the complexity of coordination between multiple independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating mechanism is designed with universal control capability, allowing it to perform both mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment through unified control logic, thereby reducing control difficulty compared to coordinating two separate mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of actuating mechanisms are used for mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment, then the inlet can adapt to different flight conditions, but the weight of the actuating mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment into a single integrated actuating mechanism, thereby eliminating the weight of one complete actuating mechanism while retaining both functionalities. This significant weight reduction is achieved through functional integration rather than additive design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution plate is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both mode conversion and variable geometry adjustment, eliminating the need for separate heavy-duty mechanisms for each function and thereby reducing the overall weight of the actuating system.
4Productivity
If conventional variable geometry adjustment is used, then the mass flow coefficient and working performance are improved, but two sets of actuating mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges variable geometry adjustment and mode conversion into a single integrated system where the flow distribution plate serves dual purposes. This allows the mass flow coefficient to be improved through variable geometry adjustment while avoiding the need for a separate mode conversion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution plate is designed with universal functionality to perform both variable geometry adjustment for mass flow optimization and mode conversion, thereby achieving improved productivity without requiring additional dedicated mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an internal-parallel inlet with mode conversion combined with variable geometry adjustment, which comprises a high-speed channel, a low-speed channel, a mode conversion component, a variable geometry component and a motor actuating component. When the inlet is in a low-speed mode, the variable geometry component adjusts the throat area and the internal contraction ratio of the inlet. When the flight Mach number is in a range of the mode conversion Mach number, the mode conversion component and the variable geometry component work simultaneously. When the inlet is in a high-speed mode, the mode conversion component is combined with the variable geometry component to adjust the throat area and the internal contraction ratio of the inlet. The present invention also provides a method for controlling the inlet.