SMA Variable Geometry Blade for Adaptive Camber and Twist

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft turbofan engines require aerodynamic blades that can adapt to varying operational conditions such as takeoff, cruise, and reverse thrust, but existing technologies struggle to efficiently modify blade geometry in real-time to optimize aerodynamic efficiency across these conditions.

Innovation Solution

Integration of shape memory alloy (SMA) components within the blades, responsive to heating elements, allows for controlled changes in camber and twist, enabling adaptive aerodynamic positioning of leading and trailing edges to optimize performance across different flight conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If blade geometry is fixed for a specific operational condition, then aerodynamic efficiency is optimized for that condition, but performance deteriorates in other operational conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade geometry adaptabilityVSAvoidblade structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade incorporates shape memory alloy components that enable dynamic geometry changes between different operational conditions (takeoff, cruise, reverse thrust). The blade transitions from a fixed geometry design to a dynamically adjustable geometry, allowing optimal aerodynamic performance across multiple flight regimes without requiring multiple separate blade designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes physical parameters of the blade material by utilizing phase transitions in shape memory alloys. By controlling the phase state (martensitic vs. austenitic) of the SMA components through temperature changes, the blade geometry parameters (camber, twist, leading edge position) are modified to suit different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If shape memory alloy components are integrated into the blade for geometry modification, then aerodynamic efficiency improves across varying conditions, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade geometry adaptabilityVSAvoidblade manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy components are integrated within the internal structure of the blade, nested within the blade's core box and spar cap regions. This nesting approach allows the SMA components to be embedded during manufacturing without requiring post-assembly integration, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced functionality added.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade employs composite construction combining conventional structural materials with shape memory alloy components. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its specific properties (structural integrity from conventional materials, geometry adaptability from SMA), enabling manufacturing through established composite techniques while adding intelligent functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If heating elements are used to induce phase transition in shape memory alloy, then blade geometry control precision improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade geometry control precisionVSAvoidheating element energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements operate in periodic or pulsed manner rather than continuously, activating the shape memory alloy only when geometry transitions are required. This periodic activation maintains precise geometry control when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during periods when the blade geometry remains optimal for current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 SMA-based system enhances aerodynamic efficiency by dynamically adjusting blade geometry in response to changing operational conditions, improving propulsion efficiency during takeoff, cruise, and reverse thrust, while also accommodating hybrid electric core operations.

Implementation Method 1

At least one shape memory alloy component is integrated in the blade for aerodynamic repositioning of one or both of the leading and trailing edges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy phase transition: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

At least one heating element interacts with the at least one shape memory alloy component to provide heating for transition between an austenitic and a martensitic phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition heating: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS11549383B2Variable geometry aerodynamic blade with integral shape memory actuation

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A variable geometry aerodynamic blade system employs a blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge. At least one shape memory alloy component is integrated in the blade for aerodynamic repositioning of one or both of the leading and trailing edges. At least one heating element interacts with the at least one shape memory alloy component to provide heating for transition between an austenitic and a martensitic phase. The at least one shape memory alloy component is responsive to the at least one heating element to alter one of a camber and twist of the blade responsive to a control signal. A control system is operatively engaged to the at least one heating element, the control system receiving a command signal and outputting the control signal responsive to the command signal.