Ram Air Turbine Locking Mechanism for Reduced Hatch Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft emergency wind turbine systems require oversized hatch designs to manage aerodynamic forces, leading to increased mass and weight, which is undesirable for aircraft manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
The emergency wind turbine system incorporates a blocking device that locks the turbine blades at an acute non-zero angle, reducing the volume swept during deployment and minimizing the hatch size, thereby reducing aerodynamic forces and system mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hatch surface area is increased to manage aerodynamic forces, then the structural strength and safety are improved, but the system mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the turbine blades by locking them at an acute non-zero angle relative to the mast axis, rather than the conventional aligned position. This parameter change reduces the projected area of the turbine, thereby reducing aerodynamic forces on the hatch and allowing for a smaller, lighter hatch design while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric positioning of the turbine blades at a specific acute angle rather than symmetric alignment with the mast axis. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the balance between structural requirements and aerodynamic force reduction, enabling hatch size and mass reduction
2Weight of moving object
If the hatch surface area is reduced to decrease system mass, then the system weight is reduced, but the aerodynamic forces management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the blade orientation parameter to an acute non-zero angle, the patent reduces the effective area exposed to aerodynamic forces, allowing the hatch to be sized smaller while still managing aerodynamic loads within acceptable limits
3Area of stationary object
If the turbine blades are locked at an acute non-zero angle, then the hatch size and aerodynamic forces are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is integrated within the existing turbine structure, with the locking mechanism nested within the turbine housing and mast assembly. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements and reduces overall system complexity despite the added locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the turbine blades and the mast structure, providing the acute angle locking function through a dedicated locking mechanism that interfaces with existing structural elements
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 configuration allows for a smaller hatch opening, reducing aerodynamic forces and enabling a lighter, more efficient emergency wind turbine system without compromising safety or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
When in operation, the backup wind turbine generates the electrical power needed for vital aircraft systems
Implementation Method 2
the rotation of the turbine 7 via the blades 10 results in the production of electrical energy by the electric generator
Implementation Method 3
The backup wind turbine 3 moves relative to the aircraft structure 2, under the effect of the actuation jack 6
Implementation Method 4
the turbine 7 is blocked by the locking device 12 so that the blades 10 are globally aligned with an orthogonal projection of the longitudinal axis 13
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an emergency wind turbine system (20) for an aircraft comprising an outer structure (201) in which an opening is made, said emergency wind turbine system (20) comprising an emergency wind turbine (22) comprising: a mast (23) extending along a longitudinal axis (24); a turbine (25) comprising a body (30) which is mounted on the mast (23) such that it rotates about an axis of rotation (26), and a single blade or two blades (32) extending radially from the body (30) between a blade root received in the body (30) and a blade head, the at least one blade root extending along the same blade root axis (35); a locking device (29) designed to lock the rotation of the body (30) of the turbine (25) about the axis of rotation (26), when the emergency wind turbine (22) moves between a so-called retracted position and a so-called deployed position, in a position such that the blade root axis (35) forms an acute and non-null locking angle (α) with an orthogonal projection (24') of the longitudinal axis (24) of the mast (23) over a plane (P) substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (26) of the turbine (25) and in which the blade root axis (35) extends, so as to reduce the volume swept by the emergency wind turbine (22) when it moves between the retracted position and the deployed position.