Turbine Engine Cyclonic Airflow Separation Against Aperture Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft engine airflow separation systems lack efficiency in separating compressed air with debris, leading to potential clogging of small apertures and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a diffuser structure with cyclonic separators and dilution apertures to separate compressed air into clean and dirty streams, directing debris away from critical engine components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If compressed air with debris is directly supplied to the combustion chamber, then the engine structure can be simplified, but debris will accumulate and clog small apertures reducing engine performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow separation systemVSAvoidaperture clogging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow is segmented into two separate streams using cyclonic separators: a clean air stream directed to the diffuser plenum and a debris-containing stream directed to the combustion chamber through dilution apertures. This segmentation prevents debris from clogging small apertures while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cyclonic separators are introduced as intermediary devices between the compressor section and the combustion chamber. These separators act as mediators that remove debris from the airflow before it reaches critical components, preventing clogging without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional airflow paths are used without separation, then the engine structure remains simple, but debris accumulation reduces engine efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoiddiffuser structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic separators are nested within the existing diffuser structure, with separators positioned in the diffuser plenum downstream of the compressor section. This nested arrangement enables debris separation without requiring a completely separate system, minimizing additional complexity while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow separation function is merged with the existing diffuser structure by integrating cyclonic separators into the diffuser plenum. This combining approach allows the system to perform both diffusion and separation functions within a unified structure, improving engine efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cyclonic separators are added to separate airflow, then debris removal efficiency improves, but the engine length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris accumulationVSAvoidengine length

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic separators utilize radial and tangential flow dimensions to separate debris from air, rather than requiring additional axial length. By employing centrifugal forces in a radial configuration, the system achieves effective debris removal without proportionally increasing the engine's overall length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Debris separation is performed preliminarily in the diffuser plenum before air enters the combustion chamber through dilution apertures. This preliminary action removes debris upstream, preventing accumulation in downstream components and eliminating the need for longer engine configurations with downstream separation devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enhances airflow separation by reducing debris accumulation, improving engine efficiency and reducing the risk of aperture clogging, while potentially shortening the engine's overall length.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the separators includes a first outlet into the diffuser plenum and a second outlet into the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

The diffuser structure includes a plurality of diffuser passages. Each of the diffuser passages fluidly couples the compressor section to a respective one of the separators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS12359615B1Separating airflows within a turbine engine

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 RTX CORP

AI summary

An assembly is provided for a turbine engine. This assembly includes an engine core extending axially along an axis. The engine core includes a compressor section, a combustor, a diffuser structure, a diffuser plenum and a plurality of separators. The combustor is arranged within the diffuser plenum. The combustor includes a combustion chamber and a combustor wall between the combustion chamber and the diffuser plenum. The diffuser structure includes a plurality of diffuser passages. Each of the diffuser passages fluidly couples the compressor section to a respective one of the separators. Each of the separators includes a first outlet into the diffuser plenum and a second outlet into the combustion chamber.