Passive Tail Cone Ventilation Manifold for Electronics Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future hybrid engine programs require ventilation systems to manage the thermal energy produced by electronics in the tail cone zone, which can damage or degrade components with low thermal capability.
Innovation Solution
A tail cone ventilation system comprising a distribution manifold with radially arranged nozzles, an air inlet, and a discharge, configured to direct cooling air over electronic components and along the inner surface of the tail cone case, using ducting and insulation to maintain temperature within operational limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronics are installed in the tail cone zone, then the functionality and versatility of the engine are improved, but the thermal management capability deteriorates due to excess thermal energy production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal management function by introducing a separate ventilation system that draws cooling air from the engine core and directs it through the tail cone interior. This separates the thermal management function from the electronics themselves, allowing the electronics to operate while excess heat is actively removed through dedicated airflow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cooling air as an intermediary substance that transfers thermal energy away from the electronics. The ventilation system uses this intermediate fluid (cooling air) to mediate between the heat-generating electronics and the external environment, enabling thermal management without direct contact between electronics and cooling mechanisms.
2Temperature
If a ventilation system is installed to cool electronics, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is designed to serve multiple functions: it cools electronics, manages thermal energy in the tail cone zone, and integrates with existing engine airflow paths. By making the ventilation system multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ventilation system with existing engine structures and airflow paths. The cooling air is drawn from the engine core through integrated ducting, and the ventilation system combines with the tail cone structure itself, reducing the need for entirely separate cooling infrastructure.
3Temperature
If cooling air is directed over electronic components, then the thermal capability is improved, but the airflow distribution uniformity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system segments the cooling airflow into multiple discrete streams using individual nozzles positioned at different locations within the tail cone. Each nozzle directs cooling air to specific areas, ensuring uniform distribution across the electronics while maintaining effective cooling through localized targeted airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning nozzles and directing cooling air to specific locations based on the thermal requirements of different electronic components. The airflow distribution is optimized locally for each component rather than using a uniform approach, ensuring each area receives appropriate cooling intensity.
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 effectively maintains temperatures within predetermined limits, reducing the risk of damage to electronics and providing positive ventilation rates.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzles configured to direct a cooling air over at least one electronic component within the tail cone interior and along an inner surface of the tail cone case
Implementation Method 2
The tail cone ventilation system further comprising insulation attached to the tail cone case between the tail cone interior and the tail cone exterior
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A tail cone ventilation system (10) including a tail cone case (16) defining a tail cone interior (22) and a tail cone exterior (24), the tail cone (14) having a forward portion and an aft portion separated axially along a tail cone axis (A); a distribution manifold (42) located within the tail cone interior proximate the forward portion, wherein the distribution manifold comprises nozzles (48) arranged radially around the axis, the nozzles configured to direct a cooling air over at least one electronic component (12) within the tail cone interior and along an inner surface of the tail cone case; an air inlet (38) fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold through ducting (32), the air inlet located externally from the tail cone interior; and a tail cone discharge (28) located proximate the tail cone aft portion, the tail cone discharge being fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold.