Aircraft Nozzle Non-Circular Opening for Fire Agent Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft engine fire extinguishing systems face inefficiencies in distributing liquid or solid fire extinguishing agents due to energy losses when these agents contact surfaces, particularly in the narrow and non-circular gaps within engine nacelles or APU bays.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a nozzle structure with a non-circular opening, such as an arc-shaped slot, L-shaped, or T-shaped opening, to efficiently expel non-gaseous fire extinguishing agents, reducing energy losses and enhancing distribution efficiency within complex engine regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If open tubes or simple circular orifices are used for nozzles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the distribution efficiency of liquid or solid fire extinguishing agents is poor due to energy losses when contacting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the nozzle opening from a conventional circular shape to a non-circular shape (such as rectangular, square, or other polygonal cross-sections). This asymmetric geometry modification optimizes the flow characteristics of liquid or solid fire extinguishing agents, reducing energy losses when the agent contacts surfaces and improving distribution efficiency within the engine compartment while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the nozzle opening, specifically the cross-sectional shape from circular to non-circular. This parameter change alters the flow dynamics and contact characteristics of the fire extinguishing agent with surrounding surfaces, thereby reducing energy losses and enhancing distribution effectiveness in the confined engine space.
2Volume of moving object
If non-gaseous fire extinguishing agents (liquid or solid) are used, then the agent can be stored in condensed form reducing storage volume, but energy losses occur when the agent contacts surfaces during expulsion through narrow gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular nozzle opening geometry is specifically designed to minimize surface contact during agent expulsion. The asymmetric shape allows the fire extinguishing agent to maintain better flow coherence and reduce splashing or adhesion to surrounding surfaces during discharge through narrow gaps, thereby reducing energy losses while preserving the storage volume benefits of condensed agent forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dimensionality change by transitioning from a circular (rotationally symmetric) opening to a non-circular opening with specific aspect ratios and geometric configurations. This dimensional reconfiguration optimizes the flow path and contact characteristics of the agent in the narrow gap environment, reducing energy losses during expulsion while maintaining efficient storage.
3Device complexity
If conventional circular nozzles are used in narrow gaps between engine components, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the distribution of fire extinguishing agent is inefficient due to the challenging geometry of the engine nacelle or APU bay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing non-circular nozzle openings that better match the anisotropic geometry of narrow gaps between engine components. The non-circular shape (rectangular, square, or other polygons) aligns more effectively with the directional constraints of the engine nacelle or APU bay, improving agent distribution into these confined spaces while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the nozzle opening geometry specifically for the local conditions of narrow gaps. The non-circular cross-section is optimized for directional discharge into confined spaces, providing locally adapted flow characteristics that enhance distribution efficiency in the specific geometric environment of engine compartments without requiring complex overall nozzle structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft engine fire extinguishing system includes a supply housing for containing a fire extinguishing agent. Also included is a line for routing the fire extinguishing agent from the supply housing. Further included is a nozzle structure operatively coupled to the line, the nozzle structure having a non-circular opening for expelling the fire extinguishing agent.