Variable Guide Vane Control Near Turbofan Air Scoops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scoops in turbofan engines cause pressure loss, fuel consumption increase, aeroelastic excitation, noise, and integration complexity due to their design and operation, leading to reduced efficiency and increased manufacturing and assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a variable geometry guide vane near the scoop with an adjustable geometry area, regulated by an actuator, to control airflow and scoop geometry, reducing noise and vibration, and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If scoops are installed in the secondary duct to draw air for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but pressure loss increases and fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The guide vane geometry is made variable through an actuator system that can adjust the vane angles dynamically. This allows the airflow path and characteristics to be optimized in real-time based on operating conditions, reducing pressure losses while maintaining the required cooling airflow through the scoops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If scoops are installed in the secondary duct, then air intake for cooling is enabled, but noise and vibration increase due to aeroelastic excitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The variable geometry guide vanes dynamically adjust to optimize airflow characteristics, preventing the formation of turbulent flow patterns that cause aeroelastic excitation. This reduces noise and vibration while maintaining effective cooling airflow through the scoops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If multiple scoops and associated ducts are added for air intake, then cooling functionality is improved, but integration complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide vane assembly is integrated with the scoop structure, combining the flow guidance function and the air intake function into a unified component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining effective cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If guide vanes are positioned near the casing with fixed geometry, then structural simplicity is maintained, but airflow adaptation to scoop geometry is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidairflow adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide vanes near the casing are equipped with variable geometry capability through actuators, allowing them to adapt their angles to optimize airflow patterns. This enables the system to maintain structural simplicity while achieving excellent airflow adaptation to the scoop geometry and varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 variable geometry guide vane system enhances turbofan engine efficiency by adapting to airflow conditions, reducing noise and vibration, and simplifying integration, thereby improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one guide vane located near the casing has a variable geometry area and whose geometry can be adjusted in operation... This enables better adaptation to the scoop geometry and the airflow through the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow control:

Implementation Method 2

The adjustment can be controlled using an actuator, such as a motor or a cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation:

Implementation Method 3

such equipment is generally enclosed in a streamlined casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic streamlining:

Implementation Method 4

these scoops are equipped with valves that regulate or shut off the airflow to the corresponding turbofan engine system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow regulation: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4232695B1Turbofan engine

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a turbofan engine (1) comprising a primary duct and a secondary duct surrounding the primary duct, a row of guide vanes (10) extending in the secondary duct, downstream of a fan (2), at least one servo extending in the secondary duct downstream of the guide vanes (10) and housed in a profiled casing (13), at least one air sampling scoop (15) located in the region of the casing (13) and equipped with a control valve (16), characterised in that at least one guide vane (10) located in the vicinity of the casing (13) has a variable geometry zone (20), the geometry of which can be adjusted during operation.