Ram Air Module With Integrated Flow Diverter and Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft environmental control systems face challenges in efficiently managing airflow through ram air ducts, particularly in balancing airflow to heat exchangers with the need to bypass the fan for reduced drag and increased fuel efficiency, while preventing airflow from bypassing the fan to ensure effective cooling.
Innovation Solution
A ram air module comprising a diffuser, a flow diverter assembly, and a valve, which are integrally formed and include a flange with bypass openings, a biasing mechanism, and a nozzle, allowing for adjustable airflow to bypass the fan and optimize airflow through the duct, reducing the overall size and complexity of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fan is positioned within the ram air duct to provide airflow when not in flight, then airflow is provided to cool heat exchangers, but the fan acts as a restriction on airflow during flight increasing drag and reducing fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable valve assembly that dynamically adjusts the airflow path based on flight conditions. During flight, the valve directs airflow to bypass the fan entirely, eliminating drag. When not in flight, the valve redirects airflow through the fan for cooling. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the airflow path into multiple channels: one path through the fan for cooling and another path bypassing the fan for efficient flight. The valve assembly controls which path airflow takes, allowing the system to optimize for either cooling or fuel efficiency depending on operational mode.
2Ease of operation
If components are positioned within the ram air duct to define a flow path to the fan or to bypass the fan, then airflow control is achieved, but a substantial amount of space is required and ease of manufacturability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve assembly, flow diverter, and associated components into a single integrated unit that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled module. This merging reduces the number of separate components, simplifies manufacturing processes, and reduces the overall space required within the ram air duct while maintaining full airflow control capability.
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 solution enables efficient airflow management, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency by allowing controlled bypass of airflow around the fan, while maintaining effective cooling of heat exchangers, and simplifies manufacturing and replacement processes through integrated components.
Implementation Method 1
comprising at least one biasing mechanism operably coupled to the at least one valve element, wherein a biasing force of the at least one biasing mechanism biases the at least one valve element to the first position
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser having a diffuser body including an inlet end and an outlet end... allowing for adjustable airflow to bypass the fan and optimize airflow through the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A ram air module for use in a ram air system, the ram air module includes a diffuser having a diffuser body including an inlet end and an outlet end, a flow diverter assembly connected to the inlet end of the diffuser body, and a valve connected to the outlet end of the diffuser body.