Piezoelectric Vortex Generator for Active Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex generating systems for vehicles lack precise and rapid control over the deployment of vortex generating elements, which hinders accurate active flow control, especially during specific operational regimes like steep climbs, landings, or transonic operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a piezoelectric motor element coupled with vortex generating elements to move them between an extended position within the fluid flow and a flush position with the surface in response to varying voltage signals, enabling precise and rapid control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional vortex generating elements are used without rapid control mechanisms, then the system structure is simple, but the deployment precision and response speed are insufficient for active flow control during specific vehicle operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical deployment mechanisms with a piezoelectric motor-driven system. The piezoelectric motor converts electrical signals directly into mechanical motion, enabling precise control of vortex generating element deployment without complex mechanical linkages, gear systems, or actuators. This substitution achieves high deployment precision while maintaining relatively simple system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect where electrical voltage parameters directly control the mechanical displacement of the motor. By varying the voltage signal parameters (magnitude, frequency, pulse width), the system achieves precise control over the deployment timing and position of vortex generating elements, enabling rapid response to changing flow conditions.
2Speed
If traditional deployment mechanisms are used, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the response speed is too slow for rapid flow control adjustments during vehicle operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical deployment mechanisms with a piezoelectric motor system that responds instantaneously to electrical signals. The piezoelectric motor eliminates the need for slow-responding mechanical components such as large actuators, linkages, and transmission systems, achieving rapid deployment speeds necessary for active flow control during dynamic vehicle operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic electrical signaling to control the piezoelectric motor, enabling rapid back-and-forth motion of the vortex generating elements. This periodic actuation allows the system to quickly adjust between deployed and retracted positions, achieving high response speeds for dynamic flow control adjustments during vehicle operations.
3Reliability
If vortex generating elements are continuously deployed, then flow control effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases and rapid control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static continuous deployment to dynamic on-demand deployment of vortex generating elements. The piezoelectric motor enables the elements to rapidly move between deployed and retracted positions based on real-time flow control requirements, maintaining effectiveness only when needed and reducing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic electrical actuation of the piezoelectric motor to deploy vortex generating elements only during specific vehicle operations (steep climbs, landings, take-off, transonic operation) rather than continuous deployment. This periodic activation maintains flow control effectiveness during critical phases while minimizing energy consumption during cruise and other normal operations.
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 solution provides precise and rapid control of vortex generating elements, enhancing active flow control by allowing accurate deployment during specific vehicle operations, improving control characteristics and reducing transonic drag.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric motor element coupled with the at least one vortex generating element, wherein the piezoelectric motor element responds to a varying voltage signal to move the at least one vortex generating element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating vortexes in fluid flow generally adjacent to a surface includes: (a) at least one vortex generating element; and (b) a piezoelectric motor element coupled with the at least one vortex generating element. The piezoelectric motor element responds to a varying voltage signal to move the at least one vortex generating element between a first position extending into the fluid flow an operating distance from the surface and a second position generally flush with the surface.