Variable Area Exhaust Nozzle Mechanical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft engines face challenges in optimizing aerodynamics for both hover and cruise modes, leading to oversized engines with high weight and fuel consumption due to complex variable area exhaust nozzles with heavy actuators.

Innovation Solution

A VTOL aircraft engine with a variable area exhaust nozzle that moves aerodynamically between open and closed positions via a mechanical transmission linked to the engine's movement, eliminating the need for separate actuators and simplifying control, allowing optimal flow conditions for both modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If variable area exhaust nozzles with dedicated actuators are used to optimize aerodynamic conditions for different flight modes, then the engine performance is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic optimization for different flight modesVSAvoidcomplexity of variable area exhaust nozzle system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the engine mounting movement mechanism with the exhaust nozzle area control mechanism into a single integrated system. The engine's pivotal movement between hover and cruise positions automatically drives the exhaust nozzle area adjustment through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators and complex control systems while maintaining aerodynamic optimization for different flight modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engine mounting mechanism serves dual functions: it enables the engine to pivot between hover and cruise positions while simultaneously controlling the exhaust nozzle area variation. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate actuators dedicated solely to nozzle control, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable area exhaust nozzles with dedicated actuators are used to optimize aerodynamic conditions, then the engine performance is improved, but the weight and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic optimization for different flight modesVSAvoidweight of exhaust nozzle system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the engine mounting movement mechanism with the exhaust nozzle area control mechanism into a single integrated system. The engine's pivotal movement between hover and cruise positions automatically drives the exhaust nozzle area adjustment through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators and complex control systems while maintaining aerodynamic optimization for different flight modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust nozzle area adjustment is achieved through self-service by utilizing the engine's own pivotal movement to drive the adjustment mechanism. The mechanical coupling transfers the movement from the engine mounting to the nozzle area control without requiring external power sources or additional actuators, thereby reducing weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable area exhaust nozzles with dedicated actuators are used, then the aerodynamic conditions are optimized, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic optimization for different flight modesVSAvoidinstallation space of exhaust nozzle system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the engine mounting movement mechanism with the exhaust nozzle area control mechanism into a single integrated system. The engine's pivotal movement between hover and cruise positions automatically drives the exhaust nozzle area adjustment through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators and complex control systems while maintaining aerodynamic optimization for different flight modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11939052B2Aircraft engine comprising a variable area exhaust nozzle
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 ARCHER AVIATION INC
  • US11939052B2 patent drawing
  • US11939052B2 patent drawing
  • US11939052B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an engine 310 of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft 300, wherein the engine is configured to be movable with respect to an aircraft component 342 of the aircraft 300 between a hover position for take-off and landing, and a cruise position for forward flight, wherein the engine 310 comprises an aerodynamic component 332 having at least one aerodynamic element 334 movable between a first position 336 according to a first operational state of the aircraft, and a second position 338 according to a second operational state of the aircraft, the aerodynamic element defining an aerodynamic surface in contact with an airstream passing through the engine.