Movable Exhaust Nozzle for Aircraft Thrust Vectoring and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft powerplant exhaust nozzles lack the ability to efficiently manage combustion products, particularly in terms of directional control and flow management, which affects thrust generation and safety during ground operations.
Innovation Solution
A movable exhaust nozzle system that can switch between a position allowing combustion products to flow and a position blocking flow, with the option to rotate and change its centerline angle, and includes a venting mechanism to direct exhausts vertically or horizontally, enhancing thrust vectoring and safety by controlling the exhaust trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the exhaust nozzle is made movable to enable directional control, then thrust vectoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust nozzle is designed as a movable component that can rotate between a first position for forward thrust and a second position for vertical thrust, enabling dynamic adaptation of thrust direction based on operational requirements. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to vector thrust in different directions without requiring multiple separate nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The single exhaust nozzle structure serves multiple functions by being capable of operating in different positions - providing both forward thrust and vertical thrust capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate nozzle systems for different thrust directions, thereby managing complexity while achieving versatility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the exhaust nozzle blocks the flowpath to direct exhausts vertically, then safety during ground operations is improved, but thrust generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust nozzle can dynamically change its position to block the flowpath and direct exhausts vertically during ground operations, preventing hot gases from contacting personnel. The nozzle rotates to the second position where it blocks the flowpath, creating a safe configuration during ground handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking of the flowpath, which would normally reduce thrust generation, is converted into a safety benefit during ground operations. By rotating the nozzle to the second position, the system intentionally reduces forward thrust capability to prioritize personnel safety, and can restore full thrust capability when operational needs require it.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the exhaust nozzle rotates to change centerline angle, then directional control of exhaust gases is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust nozzle is designed with rotational capability to change its centerline angle between a first position for forward thrust and a second position for vertical thrust. This dynamic rotation allows precise directional control of exhaust gases, with the nozzle able to orient itself accurately at different angles to achieve the desired thrust vectoring.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft (128). This aircraft (128) assembly includes a powerplant (24). The powerplant (24) includes a gas turbine engine (36), an exhaust nozzle (39) and a flowpath (40) extending from the gas turbine engine (36) to the exhaust nozzle (39). The exhaust nozzle (39) is movable between a first position and a second position. The exhaust nozzle (39) is configured to exhaust combustion products, received through the flowpath (40) from the gas turbine engine (36), when the exhaust nozzle (39) is in the first position. The exhaust nozzle (39) is configured to block flow of the combustion products through the flowpath (40) when the exhaust nozzle (39) is in the second position.