Aircraft Engine Strut Drain Device Using Venturi Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draining devices for aircraft engine support struts face challenges in effectively draining fluids when adverse pressure gradients occur, particularly during flight or taxiing, which can lead to fire hazards and ice damage due to fluid accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A draining device with a suction arrangement that utilizes a Venturi effect and swirling air flow to create a low-pressure region, enhancing aspiration capacity and drainage efficiency without the need for powered elements, using a converging-diverging part and optionally a swirling arrangement to intensify suction pressure at the drain tube outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If natural drainage is used during flight or taxiing, then the drainage system is simple, but adverse pressure gradients prevent effective drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the Venturi effect, a pneumatic principle, to create a low-pressure region that actively draws fluids through the drain tube. The converging-diverging part of the suction arrangement accelerates air flow to generate this suction effect, replacing passive gravity-based drainage with active pneumatic assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter within the plenum chamber by using the Venturi effect to create a low-pressure region. This pressure change enables effective fluid removal even when adverse pressure gradients exist in the surrounding environment during flight or taxiing operations.
2Productivity
If a powered pump is used to enhance drainage, then drainage efficiency is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the aircraft's own air flow during flight or taxiing to generate the suction effect. The converging-diverging part of the suction arrangement converts the kinetic energy of the passing air into a low-pressure region, eliminating the need for external powered pumps while maintaining high drainage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces a mechanical powered pump system with a pneumatic system based on the Venturi effect. The air flow itself performs the work of creating suction, substituting mechanical energy input with aerodynamic energy conversion.
3Productivity
If a powered pump is used to enhance drainage, then drainage efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the aircraft's motion through the air to generate the necessary suction effect. The kinetic energy of the aircraft's forward movement is converted into useful drainage work through the Venturi effect, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming powered pumps.
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 effectively enhances drainage capability even under adverse pressure conditions, ensuring efficient removal of unwanted fluids and preventing fluid buildup, thus mitigating fire hazards and ice damage.
Implementation Method 1
a converging-diverging part, the converging-diverging part forming a constricted section of tubing causing an air flow entering the inlet of the suction arrangement to be accelerated within the plenum chamber by a Venturi effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
A draining device for draining a fluid from an aircraft engine support strut (3) comprises: a suction arrangement comprising an inlet (13) and extending along a longitudinal main axis (l-l) to form a plenum chamber (12); a drain tube (5) fluidly connected to the aircraft engine support strut (3) and extending along the longitudinal main axis (l-l), the drain tube (5) ending by an outlet (8), the outlet (8) of the drain tube (5) terminating within the plenum chamber (12) of the suction arrangement; and wherein an air flow (20) entering the inlet (13) of the suction arrangement causes a low-pressure region (19) to be created within the plenum chamber (12), substantially downstream the outlet (8) of the drain tube (5).