Variable Nozzle Geometry for Uniform Rotor Tip Jet Efflux

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reaction jet helicopters experience turbulence, noise, and energy loss due to variations in compressed gas ejection velocity and mass flow through uniform cross-section apertures, leading to significant shear in the jet efflux.

Innovation Solution

A compressed gas ejection system with a variable cross-section design that maintains a substantially constant mass flow across the width of the ejection assembly, reducing turbulence and energy loss by using guide channels with varying heights and converging-diverging nozzles to optimize gas velocity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If uniform cross-section apertures are used for compressed gas ejection, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but turbulence and energy loss increase due to velocity and mass flow variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture structure simplicityVSAvoidenergy loss in jet efflux
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture cross-section is varied locally along its length, with the height changing from a first value at the inlet to a second value at the outlet. This local variation optimizes the velocity distribution and mass flow characteristics of the ejected compressed gas, reducing turbulence and energy loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If uniform cross-section apertures are used for compressed gas ejection, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but noise levels increase due to shear in the jet efflux

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidnoise from jet efflux
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture height is varied locally along its length to optimize the velocity distribution of the ejected gas. This local optimization reduces shear in the jet efflux, thereby reducing noise generation while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If variable cross-section apertures are used for compressed gas ejection, then turbulence and energy loss are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy loss in jet effluxVSAvoidaperture geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture cross-sectional parameter (height) is changed continuously or in steps from the inlet to the outlet. This parameter variation optimizes the flow characteristics, reducing turbulence and energy loss. The complexity is managed by implementing this variation in a controlled manner within the aperture geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-generated harmful factors

If variable cross-section apertures are used for compressed gas ejection, then noise levels are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise from jet effluxVSAvoidaperture geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture height parameter is varied along its length to optimize noise reduction by minimizing shear in the jet efflux. This parameter change achieves the desired noise reduction while the complexity is kept manageable through a systematic approach to geometry design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution reduces turbulence, noise, and energy waste by ensuring a consistent mass flow and velocity distribution, enhancing the efficiency and performance of reaction jet helicopters.

Implementation Method 1

The compressed gas passage is adapted to direct compressed gas to the ejection assembly and includes guide channels which guide the compressed gas from the compressed gas supply to the ejection assembly. The height of the guide channels varies from an inboard side of the ejection assembly to an outboard side of the ejection assembly.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGuide channels with varying heights:

Implementation Method 2

A compressed gas ejection system with a variable cross-section design that maintains a substantially constant mass flow across the width of the ejection assembly, reducing turbulence and energy loss by using guide channels with varying heights and converging-diverging nozzles to optimize gas velocity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConverging-diverging nozzle: De Laval Nozzle

Implementation Method 3

an engine-driven compressor produces compressed air which is ejected through ejection means such as jet nozzles at the tips of the rotor blades. This causes the rotor blades to rotate, thereby producing lift and thrust for the aircraft.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet efflux: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP4013676B1Optimised nozzle geometry
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 GENESIS AEROTECH LTD
  • EP4013676B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4013676B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4013676B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

A compressed gas ejection assembly (10) for a rotating wing aircraft blade (2) comprises a compressed gas passage (114) adapted to allow a substantially constant mass flow through the compressed gas ejection assembly (10) across at least a portion of the width of the compressed gas ejection assembly (10).