Single Actuator Rotational Flow Balance System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engine rotational flow balance systems require multiple separate actuation systems, increasing weight and complexity, while also wasting cooling air that could be used for thrust production due to inefficient airflow control.
Innovation Solution
A rotational flow balance system controlled by a single actuator system, utilizing a kinematic system with a drive crank, MEC crank, MEC drive linkage, fan duct blocker drive linkage, and input crank to manage both the fan duct blocker ring and modulated exhaust cooling ring, allowing for coordinated control of cooling airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuation systems are used for each rotational flow balance system, then each system can be independently controlled, but engine weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation systems into a single integrated actuation system that controls multiple rotational flow balance systems. The actuator assembly includes a single actuator with a piston that can rotate multiple crankshafts, which in turn control multiple bypass duct blocker rings and MEC rings through linkage mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of separate actuation systems from multiple to one, directly addressing the contradiction by reducing complexity while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuation system is designed with universal functionality to control different types of rotational flow balance systems (bypass duct blocker rings and MEC rings) through a common mechanism. The actuator assembly can selectively engage different crankshafts and linkages to control various flow balance components, making the single actuator perform multiple functions that previously required separate actuation systems.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuation systems are used for each rotational flow balance system, then each system can be independently controlled, but engine weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate actuation systems into a single integrated actuator assembly. By combining the actuators, crankshafts, and linkage mechanisms into one unified system, the total weight of the actuation system is reduced compared to having multiple separate systems. The single actuator with its piston and connecting rods weighs less than multiple independent actuators would require.
3Temperature
If cooling air is extracted for duct cooling, then engine duct cooling is improved, but overall engine performance decreases due to lost thrust production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of cooling air extraction through rotational flow balance systems that can adjust the position of bypass duct blocker rings and MEC rings. These rotational components dynamically regulate the amount of cooling air extracted from the engine core, allowing the system to optimize the balance between duct cooling requirements and thrust production. When full cooling is needed, the rings open to allow maximum cooling air flow; when thrust is prioritized, the rings close to reduce cooling air extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of cooling air flow rate dynamically by rotating the bypass duct blocker rings and MEC rings to different angular positions. This rotation changes the effective flow area for cooling air, thereby controlling the quantity of cooling air extracted from the engine. The actuation system adjusts these parameters in response to operating conditions, optimizing the trade-off between cooling effectiveness and thrust production.
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 solution reduces engine weight and complexity by enabling multiple rotational components to be controlled by a single actuator, optimizing cooling airflow distribution and enhancing engine performance by allowing one component to remain stationary while others adjust to operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The kinematic system generally includes a drive crank, a MEC crank, a MEC drive linkage, a fan duct blocker drive linkage and an input crank
Implementation Method 2
Motion of the input crank selectively engages and disengages the crank pin with the MEC crank slot to rotate the MEC crank
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational flow balance system includes an actuator system which controls operation of both a fan duct blocker ring and a modulated exhaust cooling ring through a kinematic system. The kinematic system is controlled by the single actuator system such that the modulated exhaust cooling ring will remain in a fixed position while the fan duct blocker ring can be moved to satisfy operational requirements.