Rotor Blade Support Cooling via Dual Opening Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The air blown by the rotation of the rotor blade in aircrafts with rotor blade modules can contain foreign objects such as dust, rain, or snow, which can flow into the inner space and degrade the rotational drive unit.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft design includes a support with a first opening that communicates with the outside at a position different from the airflow downstream, and a second opening that allows air to flow out due to decreased pressure from the airflow, preventing foreign objects from entering the inner space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the support has openings to allow airflow into the inner space for cooling the rotational drive unit, then the cooling effect is improved, but foreign objects such as dust, rain, or snow can flow into the inner space together with the air, degrading the rotational drive unit
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional zones with different opening configurations. The first opening is positioned to allow cooling airflow into the inner space, while the second opening is positioned downstream to allow air outflow. This segmentation of opening functions enables differential control over airflow paths, permitting cooling air intake while preventing foreign object contamination of the rotational drive unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The second opening acts as an intermediary element in the airflow path. By positioning the second opening downstream of the first opening and configuring it to facilitate air outflow, the system creates a pressure differential that mediates the airflow behavior. This intermediary opening enables the system to maintain a controlled airflow environment that provides cooling while preventing foreign objects from reaching the rotational drive unit through the first opening.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the second opening is positioned downstream of the airflow to enable air outflow and prevent foreign object inflow, then the protection from foreign objects is improved, but the cooling efficiency may be reduced due to restricted airflow path
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support structure are assigned different functional qualities. The first opening region is optimized for cooling airflow intake, while the second opening region is optimized for air outflow and foreign object prevention. This local differentiation of functional qualities allows each opening to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other, maintaining both cooling efficiency and foreign object protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow control is extended from a single-plane opening configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement with openings at different positions and orientations. The first opening is configured for airflow into the inner space, while the second opening is positioned downstream at a different location to facilitate outflow. This dimensional arrangement creates multiple airflow paths that work together to achieve both cooling and protection functions simultaneously.
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 effectively cools the rotational drive unit while preventing the inflow of foreign objects, ensuring the unit's longevity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the rotational drive unit located in the inner space is cooled by the airflow blown by rotation of the rotor blades
Implementation Method 2
air in the inner space flows out to the outside of the support due to decrease in pressure in the vicinity of the second opening by the airflow blown by rotation of the rotor blade
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft that performs vertical take-off and landing includes: a fuselage; at least one pair of fixed wings; a rotor blade; a rotational drive unit that rotationally drives the rotor blade by electric power; and a support that has an inner space that accommodates at least a part of the rotational drive unit, and supports the rotor blade, wherein the support has a first opening forming portion that has a first opening communicating the inner space and the outside of the support at a position different from a position downstream of an airflow blown by rotation of the rotor blade, and a second opening forming portion that has a second opening communicating the inner space and the outside of the support at a position downstream of the airflow blown by rotation of the rotor blade.