Split Duct Panel Nozzle Area Control With Thrust Reverser Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jet nozzle effective area adjustment mechanisms in gas turbine engines are bulky, heavy, and expensive due to the use of multiple actuators, segmented panels, and mechanical arms, which increase the size and weight of the engine.

Innovation Solution

A method of controlling the effective area of a jet nozzle using overlap jointed split duct panels repositioned by actuators, such as LVDT actuators, to adjust the nozzle area based on cruise or non-cruise operating conditions, with priority given to thrust reverser manual control when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators, segmented panels, and mechanical arms are used to adjust jet nozzle effective area, then the jet nozzle can be controlled to enhance engine performance, but the size, weight, and expense of the engine increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejet nozzle effective area adjustment capabilityVSAvoidengine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the jet nozzle effective area adjustment function with the existing thrust reverser mechanism by using the same split duct panels and actuators for both purposes. The panels are configured to serve dual functions: as thrust reverser elements and as jet nozzle area control elements, thereby eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall engine weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The split duct panels are designed to perform multiple functions: they act as thrust reverser components during landing and as jet nozzle effective area adjustment elements during cruise operation. The actuators controlling these panels can operate in different modes to achieve different objectives, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejet nozzle effective area adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions for jet nozzle area adjustment and thrust reverser operation into a single system using the same split duct panels and actuators. This integration reduces the number of separate mechanical systems and control mechanisms required, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuators and control systems are designed to handle multiple functions through a single unified mechanism. The same panels and actuators that control thrust reverser deployment also control jet nozzle effective area adjustment, reducing the complexity that would arise from having separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejet nozzle effective area adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the jet nozzle area adjustment function with the existing thrust reverser mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating duplicate parts and reducing the overall bill of materials while maintaining the required functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional design allows the same components to serve multiple purposes, reducing the total manufacturing volume required. The split duct panels and actuators are manufactured once and used for both thrust reverser and jet nozzle control functions, thereby reducing manufacturing expense compared to producing separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces the size, weight, and mechanical complexity of the jet nozzle adjustment system while enhancing engine performance and efficiency by modulating the nozzle area according to operational conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one actuator is a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear variable differential transformer (LVDT):

Data Source

PatentEP4700227A1Jet nozzle effective area control system for gas turbine engine

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

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AI summary

An aircraft gas turbine engine (400) includes a fan (405) that in operation moves air through both a core airflow path and a bypass airflow path of the gas turbine engine (400). The core airflow path and the bypass airflow path converge at a jet nozzle (410) of the gas turbine engine (400). A method of controlling the gas turbine engine (400) includes detecting, at a controller of the gas turbine engine (400), a cruise operating condition of the gas turbine engine (400), and in response to detecting the cruise operating condition, repositioning a plurality of overlap jointed split duct panels such that an effective area of the jet nozzle (410) is reduced.