Variable-Orientation Stator Vane for Thrust Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbine engines face challenges in increasing bypass ratio while maintaining ground clearance and minimizing mass, particularly due to the weight and length of thrust reverser systems, which are exacerbated in multi-fan engines.
Innovation Solution
A variable-orientation stator vane configuration with an incurved profile, allowing for greater freedom of movement and improved airflow guidance, is integrated into the fan casing, enabling the diversion of cold air and reducing nacelle drag and mass. This configuration includes a pivotable vane with a chord line length increasing from root to tip, and a thrust reverser system with synchronized occlusion means to manage airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thrust reverser systems with pivoting doors are used, then thrust reversal function is achieved, but nacelle length and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser function is merged with the stator vane structure itself. The stator vane incorporates both the flow straightening function and the thrust reversal function through its variable orientation capability, eliminating the need for separate pivoting doors and reducing nacelle length.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator vane is designed to perform multiple functions: flow straightening during normal operation and thrust reversal during landing. By making the stator vane variable-orientation, a single component achieves what previously required multiple dedicated components.
2Reliability
If conventional thrust reverser systems with multiple doors are used, then thrust reversal function is achieved, but propulsion assembly mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser function is merged with the stator vane structure itself. The stator vane incorporates both the flow straightening function and the thrust reversal function through its variable orientation capability, eliminating the need for separate pivoting doors and reducing nacelle length.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator vane is designed to perform multiple functions: flow straightening during normal operation and thrust reversal during landing. By making the stator vane variable-orientation, a single component achieves what previously required multiple dedicated components.
3Productivity
If multi-fan configuration is used to increase bypass ratio, then propulsive efficiency improves, but propulsion assembly mass increases due to additional casings
Solution Approach 1:
The variable-orientation stator vane serves dual purposes: maintaining efficient flow straightening for high bypass ratio operation and providing thrust reversal capability. This eliminates the need for additional mass-intensive door mechanisms in multi-fan configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator vane orientation parameter is made variable, allowing the same structure to optimize performance across different operating modes (normal flight and thrust reversal), reducing the need for additional components.
4Ease of manufacture
If stator vanes with straight profiles are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but airflow guidance and flow straightening effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stator vane incorporates an incurved profile (curved geometry) along its direction of extension, which improves airflow guidance and flow straightening effectiveness compared to straight profiles, while the curvature is integrated into the manufacturing process.
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 enhances airflow guidance, reduces drag and mass, and allows for efficient thrust reversal, improving propulsive efficiency and aircraft braking performance while maintaining compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the vane being fitted pivotably along an axis of pivot transverse to the longitudinal axis and comprising a blade that extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge; between the leading and trailing edges there extends a chord line, the value of the length of the chord line increasing from a root end towards a vane profile end, which has a profile incurved along its direction of extension
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-orientation stator vane of a turbine engine, comprising a wall that extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge forming a chord line. The chord line increases from a root end towards a tip end of said vane. This vane is fitted pivotably in a turbine engine casing so as to divert a flow of cold air circulating in an annular duct thereof.