Nacelle Forward Part Rigid Connection Force Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft propulsion nacelle designs limit the extension of acoustic treatment regions due to design constraints, resulting in a discontinuation of noise absorption at the solid front region with no acoustic properties, leading to separate deicing, joining, and acoustic treatment regions.
Innovation Solution
A forward part of the nacelle with a rigid connection between the air intake lip and acoustic panel, utilizing an intermediate component with a main force propagation path, allowing the acoustic panel to extend closer to the front frame and maintain acoustic properties, thereby reducing the length of the joining region without a solid front region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the acoustic panel is connected to the air intake lip at the interior surface, then the connection allows force transmission, but the acoustic treatment region is limited and a solid front region is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate component (such as a ring or flange) between the air intake lip and the acoustic panel. This intermediary element serves as a mediator that transmits forces from the air intake lip to the acoustic panel while allowing the acoustic panel to extend further forward without requiring a solid front region. The intermediate component decouples the direct connection requirement, enabling the acoustic treatment region to lengthen while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the connection interface from the interior surface (one dimension) to the exterior surface or a intermediate structure (another dimension). By moving the connection point to the exterior or using an intermediate component, the acoustic panel can extend forward in the longitudinal dimension without compromising force transmission, as the connection is established through a different spatial pathway.
2Length of moving object
If the acoustic panel extends closer to the front frame, then the acoustic treatment region is maximized, but the joining region becomes longer and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate component acts as a structural bridge that maintains strength in the joining region while allowing the acoustic panel to extend further. It distributes forces over a larger area and provides a rigid connection point that prevents excessive deformation, thereby maintaining structural integrity even when the acoustic treatment region is maximized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining the air intake lip structure with an intermediate component and the acoustic panel. This composite approach allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while the combination maintains overall structural integrity. The intermediate component provides structural reinforcement that compensates for the extended joining region.
3Device complexity
If the air intake lip and acoustic panel are directly connected, then the structure is simpler, but heat transmission to the acoustic panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate component serves as a thermal barrier between the air intake lip and the acoustic panel. By inserting this intermediate structure, the direct thermal pathway is interrupted, reducing heat transmission to the acoustic panel. The intermediate component can be designed with thermal insulation properties or air gaps that further reduce heat conduction while maintaining the mechanical connection.
4Device complexity
If the acoustic panel is positioned further back, then the joining region is shorter and structure is simpler, but noise absorption coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate component enables the acoustic panel to extend forward while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure. It acts as a force transmission element that allows the acoustic panel to reach further into the noise-generating region without requiring a complex connection system, thereby improving noise absorption coverage while keeping structural complexity manageable.
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 configuration maximizes the acoustic treatment region towards the front of the nacelle, enhancing noise absorption and maintaining structural integrity while minimizing heat transmission and ensuring thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic panel 3 has the function of limiting the emissions of noise by absorbing soundwaves generated by the engine and the fan
Implementation Method 2
These devices, for example, comprise diverting hot gases coming from the engine that the nacelle contains toward the inside of the air intake lip 1
Implementation Method 3
a rigid connection between the air intake lip and the acoustic panel... a main propagation path for forces between the air intake lip and the back skin
Data Source
AI summary
A forward part of an aircraft propulsion unit nacelle, comprising an air intake lip, an acoustic panel, and a rigid connection between the acoustic panel and the air intake lip. The acoustic panel has a resistive surface and a back skin, and the rigid connection is formed between the air intake lip and the back skin of the acoustic panel to form a propagation path for forces between the air intake lip and the back skin. This configuration gives freedom from design constraints, which enables an increase in the acoustic treatment region toward the front of the nacelle. An aircraft propulsion unit comprising a nacelle having such a forward part is also provided.