Movable Slotted Plate Flow Control for Aircraft Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control systems for aircraft require significant amounts of airflow to enhance lift performance, leading to increased weight and cost due to larger and heavier engines, which negatively impacts efficiency and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A flow control system utilizing a movable slotted plate with a second slot angled relative to an opening, actuated in a linear oscillatory motion to vary airflow exiting the opening, reducing the need for substantial airflow and minimizing drag and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If substantial amounts of bleed air are used for flow control, then lift performance is enhanced, but engine size and aircraft weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using an oscillating flow control plate that periodically modulates the airflow instead of requiring continuous high-volume bleed air. The plate oscillates between blocking and permitting flow through the slot, creating dynamic flow control that achieves lift enhancement with reduced overall airflow requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic action through the oscillating motion of the flow control plate. The plate periodically blocks and unblocks the slot to modulate the jet flow, creating pulsed flow patterns that enhance lift while reducing the total volume of bleed air needed compared to continuous flow systems
2Force
If substantial amounts of bleed air are used for flow control, then lift performance is enhanced, but engine efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic oscillation of the flow control plate allows the system to achieve effective flow control with lower average bleed air consumption. By modulating the flow rather than maintaining continuous high-volume extraction, the engine operates more efficiently while still achieving the desired lift enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic blocking and unblocking of the slot creates pulsed flow patterns that are more efficient than continuous flow. This periodic action reduces the total energy extracted from the engine while maintaining effective flow control along the aerodynamic surface
3Productivity
If separate air compressors are added to supply airflow, then flow control is achieved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control plate serves multiple functions: it modulates the airflow, directs the jet flow along the aerodynamic surface, and eliminates the need for separate compression systems. By using existing engine bleed air combined with mechanical modulation, the system achieves flow control capability without adding dedicated compressors
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating flow control plate acts as an intermediary between the engine bleed air system and the external flow field. It modulates and directs the bleed air to achieve flow control effects without requiring additional compression equipment, thereby reducing overall system weight
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 system effectively increases lift and reduces drag, improving aerodynamic performance, lowering fuel burn, and reducing emissions while maintaining a lightweight and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator to move the flow control plate relative to the opening in a linear oscillatory motion to vary a flow of fluid exiting the opening
Implementation Method 2
The flow of fluid is from the second slot to the first slot
Implementation Method 3
These ejected air streams imparts momentum into the flow. The momentum causes the flow to better follow the surface of the wing and the flap
Data Source
AI summary
Flow control systems having movable slotted plates are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a flow control plate to be placed proximate an opening of an aerodynamic body. The opening has a first slot and the flow control plate has a second slot angled relative to the opening. The apparatus also includes an actuator to move the flow control plate relative to the opening in a linear oscillatory motion to vary a flow of fluid exiting the opening over the aerodynamic body. The flow of fluid is to flow from the second slot to the first slot.