Symmetric Jet Tabs for Thrust Vectoring Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust vectoring apparatuses for flying objects are bulky and heavy, limiting their downsizing and lightening potential while maintaining effective thrust vectoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a nozzle with two symmetrically arranged jet tabs that rotate around separate axes, driven by a power dividing mechanism, allowing for simultaneous control and optimization of their positions to minimize fluid load torque and bending moment, thereby reducing the size and weight of the apparatus while maintaining thrust vectoring efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional thrust vectoring apparatus with single jet tab is used, then thrust vectoring function is achieved, but apparatus size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single jet tab is segmented into two separate jet tabs (first jet tab and second jet tab), each capable of independent rotation around its own rotation axis. This segmentation allows the thrust vectoring function to be distributed across multiple smaller components, reducing the overall size and weight of the apparatus while maintaining or enhancing vectoring effectiveness through coordinated operation of the segmented tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of control by enabling rotation around multiple axes (first rotation axis and second rotation axis) rather than a single axis. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the jet tabs to achieve thrust vectoring in multiple directions simultaneously, improving vectoring effectiveness while each individual tab can be smaller in size.
2Length of moving object
If jet tab size is reduced for downsizing, then apparatus weight decreases, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the original large jet tab into two smaller jet tabs, each tab experiences reduced fluid load torque and bending moment individually. This segmentation allows each smaller tab to maintain adequate structural strength without requiring the same size as the original single tab, as the mechanical loads are distributed and reduced on each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The two jet tabs are arranged to work in coordination where one tab can compensate for or counterbalance the mechanical loads on the other tab. This counterbalancing arrangement reduces the net structural loads on each individual tab, allowing for smaller tab dimensions while maintaining structural integrity under operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If complex driving mechanism is added for symmetric control, then thrust vectoring precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric placement of the first jet tab and second jet tab relative to the nozzle centerline, with each tab positioned at different distances from the centerline. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with independent rotation axes, enables precise thrust vectoring control through the asymmetric distribution of aerodynamic forces, achieving high control precision without requiring complex symmetric mechanisms.
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 enables a downsized and lightened thrust vectoring apparatus that achieves equivalent or superior thrust vectoring forces with reduced structural loads, enhancing the performance and efficiency of flying objects.
Implementation Method 1
the combustion gas which is exhausted from the nozzle hits the tab as the object so that the direction of the combustion gas flow changes
Data Source
AI summary
A first jet tab and a second jet tab are symmetrically arranged with respect to a symmetry plane and have a symmetrical shape with respect to the symmetry plane, and are symmetrically driven with respect to the symmetry plane by a driving section. A distance between a tip of the first jet tab and a first rotation axis is larger than a distance between the first rotation axis and the symmetry plane. A distance between a tip section of the second jet tab and a second rotation axis is larger than a distance between the second rotation axis and the symmetry plane.