Variable Aircraft Engine Inlet Guard Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft engine inlet guard screens are ineffective in dynamically adjusting to changing operational conditions, such as foreign object debris ingestion and ice accretion, which can lead to engine damage.
Innovation Solution
A variable inlet guard system comprising a first screen, a second screen, and an actuation system that moves the first screen along the second screen, changing the geometry of perforations to adapt to different operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed inlet guard screen is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to changing operational conditions such as foreign object debris ingestion and ice accretion
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet guard screen transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The screen can change its configuration by moving between different positions (retracted, extended, partially extended) to adapt to varying operational conditions such as foreign object debris ingestion risks and ice accretion, while maintaining structural reliability through controlled actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet guard screen is divided into multiple independent segments or sections that can be actuated separately. This segmentation allows different portions of the screen to be adjusted independently based on local conditions, providing fine-grained adaptability while keeping the overall structure manageable and controllable.
2Reliability
If the inlet guard screen is made adjustable to reduce foreign object debris ingestion, then protection effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet guard screen system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that enable it to automatically detect operational conditions (such as foreign object debris presence or ice accretion) and adjust its configuration without requiring constant manual intervention. This self-service capability improves engine protection effectiveness while minimizing the complexity of external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet guard screen can be positioned in advance to prevent harmful conditions before they occur. For example, the screen can be extended preemptively when foreign object debris is detected in the intake airflow, or adjusted before ice accretion becomes problematic, thereby improving protection effectiveness while allowing the actuation system to operate in controlled, planned manner rather than reacting to emergencies.
3Reliability
If the perforation geometry is dynamically changed, then foreign object debris filtering improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perforation geometry is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the movement of screen segments relative to each other. By changing the relative positions of screen sections, the effective perforation size and pattern can be modified to optimize foreign object debris filtering for different operational conditions. The screen structure uses standardized components and movement mechanisms that can be manufactured using conventional processes, balancing manufacturing ease with dynamic adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes an aircraft engine, an inlet guard and an actuation system. The aircraft engine has a flowpath projecting into the aircraft engine from an airflow inlet. The inlet guard is arranged at the airflow inlet and extends across the flowpath. The inlet guard includes a first screen, a second screen and a plurality of perforations. The first screen is adjacent and overlaps the second screen. The perforations project through the inlet guard and are formed by the first screen and the second screen. The actuation system is configured to move the first screen along the second screen. The movement of the first screen along the second screen changes a geometry of each of the perforations.