Toroidal CVT Cabin Blower System for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin blower systems face challenges in maintaining consistent cabin air flow and pressure due to the variability of gas turbine engine operating points, leading to inefficiencies and the need for multiple ancillary components that occupy gearbox mount pads, increasing weight and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a toroidal continuously variable transmission system that allows precise control over the compressor's drive, enabling adjustable air flow and pressure, and the ability to operate in both forward and reverse configurations, potentially eliminating the need for separate starters and reducing ancillary gearbox load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a gas turbine engine is used to drive the cabin blower compressor, then the compressor can be powered, but the cabin air flow and pressure cannot be maintained within acceptable limits due to engine operating point variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system that allows dynamic adjustment of the compressor drive ratio. The CVT enables the compressor to be driven at optimal speeds regardless of the gas turbine engine's operating point, maintaining consistent cabin air flow and pressure by continuously adapting the transmission ratio to match required compressor performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the transmission ratio parameter continuously through the CVT mechanism. By varying the effective gear ratio between the engine shaft and compressor shaft, the system can maintain the compressor at its optimal operating parameters even when the engine operating point changes, thus resolving the control reliability issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ancillary components are mounted on the gearbox, then various functions are provided, but the weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cabin blower system multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both forward and reverse configurations. The same compressor and transmission system that provides cabin air conditioning in forward mode can also function as an engine starter in reverse mode, eliminating the need for separate starter components and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cabin blower function and engine starter function into a single integrated system. By allowing the compressor to be driven in reverse by pressurized gas to crank the engine, the patent combines two previously separate functions into one system, reducing the number of components and mount pads required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ancillary components are mounted on the gearbox, then various functions are provided, but the gearbox space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cabin blower system multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both forward and reverse configurations. The same compressor and transmission system that provides cabin air conditioning in forward mode can also function as an engine starter in reverse mode, eliminating the need for separate starter components and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cabin blower function and engine starter function into a single integrated system. By allowing the compressor to be driven in reverse by pressurized gas to crank the engine, the patent combines two previously separate functions into one system, reducing the number of components and mount pads required.
4Reliability
If a toroidal continuously variable transmission is used to control the compressor drive, then precise control over air flow and pressure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a toroidal CVT as an intermediary mechanism between the gas turbine engine and the compressor. This intermediary device provides continuous variable ratio control, enabling precise regulation of compressor speed and output while isolating the complexity of control mechanisms from both the engine and compressor systems.
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 provides enhanced control over cabin air delivery, reduces the number of ancillary components required, and optimizes the use of gearbox space, improving system efficiency and reducing weight, while also enabling the cabin blower system to function as an engine starter, thus simplifying aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
The toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises at least one traction drive through which in use drive is transmitted
Implementation Method 2
the compressor pumps air taken from a bypass duct of the gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 3
drive for the system operating in the forward configuration is generated by the gas turbine engine
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft cabin blower system comprising a transmission and a compressor is disclosed. The system has a forward configuration in which the compressor is drivable in use via the transmission. The transmission comprises a toroidal continuously variable transmission giving selectively variable control over the rate at which the compressor is driven.