Wing-Embedded Ejectors for Residual Jet Lift Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft propulsion systems fail to efficiently utilize the residual energy from jet efflux for lift generation due to high temperatures and rotational components, leading to energy loss and impracticality of direct airfoil integration.
Innovation Solution
Embedding thrust augmentation ejectors within lift-generating devices like wings, utilizing pressurized fluid flow for boundary layer ingestion and energy transfer to enhance lift and thrust, allowing aggressive angles of attack without stall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If jet efflux is directed at an airfoil to utilize residual energy for lift generation, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but high temperature and rotational components preclude practical implementation
Solution Approach 1:
A fluidic amplifier device is introduced as an intermediary between the jet efflux and the airfoil. This device uses a small portion of the jet flow (motive flow) to control and amplify a larger portion of ambient air (secondary flow), creating a amplified efflux that acts on the airfoil. The intermediary converts the harmful high-temperature rotational jet into a controlled, amplified cold air stream that can effectively generate lift without the detrimental effects of the original jet characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the efflux by mixing a small amount of high-velocity jet flow with a large amount of ambient air. This parameter change transforms the efflux from high-temperature and rotational to a controlled, amplified stream with optimized velocity and direction. The fluidic amplifier modifies the flow parameters (velocity, direction, temperature) to make them suitable for airfoil interaction, enabling effective lift generation.
2Force
If larger wings are used to maximize lift generation, then lift efficiency is improved, but weight and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical approach of increasing wing size and area to generate more lift with a fluid dynamics-based system. Instead of adding more structural material to increase lift, the system uses fluidic amplification to multiply the effectiveness of the jet efflux. This substitution allows the same lift to be generated with smaller, lighter wings by using fluid dynamics rather than structural expansion.
3Use of energy by moving object
If turbofans are used with high by-pass ratio, then fuel efficiency is improved, but residual rotational movement and cylindrical jet structure prevent effective airfoil integration
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic amplifier serves as an intermediary that decouples the turbofan jet structure from the airfoil. It takes the complex cylindrical rotational jet efflux and transforms it into a simplified, amplified linear flow that can be effectively directed at the airfoil. This intermediary device filters out the complexity of the original jet structure while preserving and amplifying its propulsive energy.
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
Achieves significant lift enhancement and thrust augmentation, enabling STOL capabilities and reducing wingspan requirements by up to 40% while efficiently utilizing residual jet energy for lift generation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing pressurized fluid flow for boundary layer ingestion and energy transfer to enhance lift and thrust
Implementation Method 2
the jet efflux from current propulsion systems has residual energy and potential not currently exploited
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft includes a fuselage and at least one primary wing having an upper surface, at least one recess in the upper surface and at least one conduit in fluid communication with the at least one recess. At least one ejector is disposed within the at least one recess and is configured to receive compressed air via the at least one conduit.