Aircraft Propulsor Moveable Panel for Roll Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft propulsors experience significant deformation due to wind-up torque and roll loads, leading to the need for bulky and heavy reinforcement structures to manage these loads, which affects performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a load-bearing moveable panel configured with coupling portions that can be hinged and latched to distribute and receive roll and torque loads, allowing for a more compact and lighter propulsor structure by transferring loads between the panel and the propulsor structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional reinforcement structures are added to receive roll and torque loads, then the propulsor structure can bear operational loads, but the propulsor becomes significantly bulkier and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a moveable panel that can rotate about a hinge axis. This moveable panel dynamically adjusts its position to bear roll loads during propulsor operation, while allowing the structure to remain compact and lightweight when loads are not present. The moveable panel transitions between loaded and unloaded configurations, optimizing the balance between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the propulsor structure into distinct functional components: a fixed nacelle for structural support, a moveable panel for dynamic load bearing, and coupling portions for load transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the fixed nacelle provides stable mounting, while the moveable panel provides dynamic response to loads, avoiding the need for overall structural reinforcement.
2Strength
If traditional reinforcement structures are added to receive roll and torque loads, then the propulsor structure can bear operational loads, but the propulsor structure becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable panel rotates about a hinge axis to dynamically bear roll loads only when needed during operation. When the propulsor is not subject to significant roll loads, the panel can be positioned to minimize its volume contribution, allowing the overall propulsor structure to be more compact than traditional reinforced designs that must accommodate maximum loads at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating load-bearing functionality specifically in the moveable panel and its coupling portions, rather than reinforcing the entire propulsor structure. The fixed nacelle and moveable panel are designed with specific local features (coupling portions, hinge mechanisms) that enable load transfer only where necessary, maintaining compact overall dimensions.
3Weight of stationary object
If a moveable panel is introduced to bear loads, then the propulsor can be lighter and more compact, but the structural complexity increases with hinging and latching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a load-bearing structure during operation, provides aerodynamic surface area, and can be positioned in different configurations for different operational modes. The coupling portions serve dual purposes of structural attachment and load transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the complexity of the hinging and latching mechanisms.
4Strength
If the moveable panel is hinged and latched to the propulsor structure, then the panel can effectively receive and transfer loads, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsor is segmented into modular components (fixed nacelle, moveable panel, coupling portions) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The coupling portions are designed as discrete elements that facilitate straightforward attachment of the moveable panel to the fixed nacelle, reducing overall assembly complexity despite the sophisticated load transfer requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft propulsor that includes a load bearing moveable panel is described herein. In one example, the moveable panel can be coupled to a propulsor structure to receive loads from the propulsor structure. Such loads can include roll and/or torque loads generated by rotation of a core engine of the aircraft propulsor. The moveable panel can be coupled to the propulsor structure through a plurality of coupling portions on one or both of the moveable panel and the propulsor structure.