Aircraft Propulsion Nacelle Drag Reduction via Remote Component Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft propulsion systems face increased drag due to the mounting of external engine components on their external surfaces, which enlarges the system's periphery and affects performance, necessitating a reduction in drag without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
The propulsion system design minimizes external engine components on the engine surface by relocating them to remote locations, using couplers to maintain functionality while allowing the nacelle to have a smaller diameter and smoother profile, reducing drag by eliminating protuberances and enlarging the system's periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If external engine components are mounted directly to the engine external surface, then the components can be easily accessed and maintained, but the propulsion system periphery enlarges and drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates external engine components from the radial dimension (mounted on engine external surface within nacelle) to the longitudinal dimension (mounted on pylon or wing structure away from engine). This dimensional transition allows the nacelle to have a streamlined shape without protuberances, reducing drag while maintaining component accessibility through the new mounting location.
2Ease of manufacture
If the nacelle is shaped to accommodate external engine components mounted on the engine, then the components are housed within the outer mold line, but the nacelle periphery increases and drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts external engine components from the nacelle internal volume and relocates them to the pylon or wing structure. This extraction eliminates the need for the nacelle to be shaped with protuberances or enlarged sections to accommodate these components, allowing for a smoother, more streamlined nacelle design that reduces drag.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the propulsion system periphery is reduced to minimize drag, then drag decreases and performance improves, but space for mounting external components becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the longitudinal dimension (along the aircraft fuselage) for component mounting, rather than being constrained to the radial dimension (within nacelle periphery). Components are mounted on the pylon or wing structure at locations spaced apart from the engine, providing adequate space for all necessary components while maintaining a compact, low-drag nacelle design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A propulsion system for an aircraft is taught herein. The propulsion system includes, but is not limited to, an engine. The propulsion system further includes, but is not limited to, an outer cover associated with the engine. The engine and the outer cover are configured for coupling to the aircraft. The propulsion system further includes, but is not limited to, an external engine component. The propulsion system still further includes, but is not limited to, a coupler that operatively couples the external engine component to the engine. The external engine component is configured to be coupled to the aircraft at a location spaced apart from the engine.