Method and apparatus for controlling aircraft inlet air flow
US6634595B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0536
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for controlling aircraft inlet air flow. The apparatus can include an external flow surface having a forward portion, and an engine inlet positioned at least proximate to the external flow surface and aft of the forward portion. The engine inlet can have an aperture and can be coupled with an engine inlet duct to an engine location. An auxiliary flow duct can be positioned at least proximate to the external flow surface and can include a first opening and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening. The first opening can be positioned to receive flow from the external flow surface during at least a first portion of an operating schedule of the propulsion system. The auxiliary flow duct can be configured to direct air to the engine location during at least a second portion of the operating schedule of the propulsion system. In one embodiment, boundary layer flow developed over the external flow surface can be diverted through the auxiliary flow duct, for example, during cruise operation, and auxiliary air flow can be provided to the engine through the auxiliary flow duct, for example, during takeoff operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.