Movable Aerodynamic Component for VTOL Engine Nozzle

Solution Overview

Problem

Vertical take-off and landing aircraft engines face challenges in optimizing aerodynamics for both hover and cruise modes, leading to oversized engines with high complexity and weight due to the need for variable area exhaust nozzles with complex actuators.

Innovation Solution

An engine with a movable aerodynamic component that adjusts its position based on the flight mode, using a transmission system to change the aerodynamic surface angle and cross-section, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing complexity and weight by integrating movement with the engine's position change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If variable area exhaust nozzles with dedicated actuators are used to optimize aerodynamic conditions for different flight modes, then engine adaptability between hover and cruise modes is improved, but device complexity and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine adaptability between hover and cruise modesVSAvoidcomplexity of exhaust nozzle actuation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the exhaust nozzle adjustment function with the engine position adjustment function. The same actuator that moves the engine between hover and cruise positions also adjusts the exhaust nozzle area, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust nozzle is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides exhaust flow control and simultaneously acts as an aerodynamic surface whose area can be adjusted for different flight modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable area exhaust nozzles with dedicated actuators are used to optimize aerodynamic conditions for different flight modes, then engine adaptability between hover and cruise modes is improved, but weight and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine adaptability between hover and cruise modesVSAvoidweight of exhaust nozzle actuation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the exhaust nozzle adjustment function with the engine position adjustment function. The same actuator that moves the engine between hover and cruise positions also adjusts the exhaust nozzle area, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the dedicated actuators from the exhaust nozzle system by extracting this function from the overall system and integrating it into the engine position adjustment mechanism, thereby reducing weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If engines are oversized to allow reliable operation in both hover and cruise modes, then engine reliability in both modes is improved, but weight and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine reliability in hover and cruise modesVSAvoidengine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the exhaust nozzle area through movement between hover and cruise positions. This dynamic capability allows a single engine design to optimize its performance for different operating conditions without requiring an oversized engine, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing weight

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

This solution allows for optimized airflow and reduced friction losses in both hover and cruise modes, enhancing engine performance and reducing fuel consumption and weight, while simplifying control and testing efforts.

Implementation Method 1

an aerodynamic element movable between a first position and a second position, the aerodynamic element defining an aerodynamic surface in contact with an airstream passing through the engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow:

Implementation Method 2

a transmission having a first end connected to the aerodynamic component and a second end adapted to be connected to the aircraft component, wherein the transmission is adapted to translate a movement of the engine with respect to the aircraft component into a movement of the at least one aerodynamic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS12172750B2Engine comprising a movable aerodynamic component

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 ARCHER AVIATION INC

AI summary

The present invention provides an engine of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, wherein the engine is configured to be movable with respect to an aircraft component of the aircraft between a hover position for take-off and landing, and a cruise position for forward flight, wherein the engine comprises an aerodynamic component having at least one aerodynamic element movable between a first position and a second position the aerodynamic element defining an aerodynamic surface in contact with an airstream passing through the engine.