Multi-Stage Articulating Propulsor Fans for CTOL-STOL-VTOL Thrust
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in achieving efficient multi-mode flight operations such as CTOL, STOL, and VTOL due to increased fan diameter leading to duct drag and reduced power efficiency, making it difficult to adapt to different flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft propulsion systems incorporating a series of articulating propulsor fans that can adjust their orientation and exhaust flow to optimize thrust generation and minimize noise pollution, using extendable flaps and scarf inlets to enhance performance across various flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fan diameter is increased to improve propulsive efficiency, then propulsive efficiency is improved, but duct drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent fan stages (first fan stage, second fan stage, third fan stage) arranged in series. Each fan stage processes a portion of the airflow independently, allowing the system to achieve high propulsive efficiency without requiring a single large-diameter fan that would generate excessive duct drag.
2Productivity
If fan diameter is increased to improve propulsive efficiency, then propulsive efficiency is improved, but power required per pound of thrust increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power requirement is distributed across multiple smaller fan stages rather than concentrated in a single large fan. Each fan stage operates at optimized dimensions, reducing the power required per pound of thrust while maintaining high propulsive efficiency through the series arrangement that allows progressive acceleration of airflow.
3Force
If exhaust of one propulsor feeds inlet of another propulsor in series, then mass flow and thrust are increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust flow from the first fan stage is merged with the inlet flow of the second fan stage, and the exhaust from the second fan stage is merged with the inlet of the third fan stage. This merging of flows in series allows the system to achieve increased mass flow and thrust while the fans are controlled as a coordinated system, managing the complexity through integrated control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articulating propulsor fans are used to optimize different flight modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each fan stage is equipped with articulation capability that allows dynamic adjustment of the fan orientation and inlet angle. The fans can articulate to optimize performance for different flight modes (CTOL, STOL, VTOL, V/STOL) while the control system coordinates their operation to manage complexity, allowing the system to adapt to various flight conditions.
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 system improves aircraft performance by reducing noise pollution and increasing thrust efficiency, allowing for seamless transitions between CTOL, STOL, and VTOL operations while minimizing weight and mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
thrust-generating propulsors attached to a forward-left portion of an aircraft fuselage with another series of (e.g., four) thrust-generating propulsors attached to a forward-right portion of the fuselage
Implementation Method 2
the exhaust of a first propulsor may feed the inlet of a second propulsor positioned aft of the first propulsor, which may increase the pressure of the exhaust flow
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein may relate to aerial structures such as aircraft. An aerial structure may include a fuselage, a wing attached to the fuselage, and a plurality of propulsion systems configured to generate thrust. A propulsion system may include a plurality of propulsors, such as propulsor fans. A propulsor fan may be configured to be actuated between a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) flight mode, a short take-off and landing (STOL) flight mode, and a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flight mode.