Jet Engine Cover

Abstract

A deflecting device for protecting a jet engine of an aircraft from damage caused by a bird strike. The bird strike deflection device attaches to an opening in the front of a cowling of the jet engine to shield an engine air intake from ingesting a bird that would otherwise damage the engine. A conically shaped screening portion having an open mesh pattern is attached to the cowling in a convex orientation. A perimeter of the screening portion terminates in a rim sized to fit the engine intake opening in the cowling. The rim may be directly attached to the cowling or an attachment flange may connect the rim to the cowling. The deflecting device may be completely removable from, hingedly attached to, or integrated directly into the cowling.

Claims

1. A bird strike deflection device for protecting a jet engine of an airplane, the bird strike deflection device comprising: a deflecting component comprising: a deflector body comprising a conically shaped screen extending from a base perimeter to an apex; and a rim extending from and surrounding the base perimeter; and an attachment component; and wherein the attachment component is configured to secure the deflecting component to a cowling covering an engine air inlet of the jet engine.

2. The bird strike deflection device of claim 1, wherein the conically shaped screen has a structured pattern.

3. The bird strike deflection device of claim 1, wherein the conically shaped screen has an unstructured pattern.

4. The bird strike deflection device of claim 1, wherein the conically shaped screen is structured to deflect a bird without significantly limiting airflow into the jet engine.

5. The bird strike deflection device of claim 1, wherein the deflecting component further comprises a solid nose cone covering the apex.

6. The bird strike deflection device of claim 1, wherein the conically shaped screen is constructed from aerospace grade aluminum.

7. The bird strike deflection device of claim 1, wherein the attachment component comprises a flange body shaped to engage the cowling.

8. The bird strike deflection device of claim 8, wherein the attachment component comprises a plurality of attachment elements for removably attaching the bird strike deflection device to the cowling.

9. The bird strike deflection device of claim 1, wherein the deflector body further comprises a plurality of structural ribs extending from the base perimeter to the apex.

10. A bird strike deflection device for protecting a jet engine of an airplane, the bird strike deflection device comprising: a deflecting component comprising: a deflector body comprising a convex conically shaped screen extending from a base perimeter to an apex; a solid rim extending from and surrounding the base perimeter; and a nose cone covering the apex; and an attachment component comprising a flange body extending perpendicularly outward from the rim and a plurality of attachment elements configured to secure the deflecting component to a cowling covering an engine air inlet of the jet engine.

11. The bird strike deflection device of claim 10, wherein the convex conically shaped screen has a honeycombed pattern.

12. The bird strike deflection device of claim 10, wherein the convex conically shaped screen is structured to deflect a bird without significantly limiting airflow into the jet engine.

13. The bird strike deflection device of claim 10, wherein the flange body is shaped to engage the cowling.

14. The bird strike deflection device of claim 10, wherein the attachment component is hingedly attached to the cowling.

15. The bird strike deflection device of claim 14, wherein the attachment component further comprises a locking element.

16. The bird strike deflection device of claim 10 further comprising a debris clearing component.

17. The bird strike deflection device of claim 16, wherein the debris clearing component comprises a rotatable wiper blade extending from the nose cone downward along the convex conically shaped screen.

18. A bird strike deflection device for protecting a jet engine of an airplane, the bird strike deflection device comprising: a jet engine cowling; a deflecting component comprising: a deflector body comprising a convex conically shaped screen extending from a base perimeter to an apex; a solid rim extending from and surrounding the base perimeter; and wherein the solid rim of the deflecting component is integrated into and extends outward from the jet engine cowling adjacent to an engine air inlet of the jet engine.

19. The bird strike deflection device of claim 18, wherein the convex conically shaped screen is structured to deflect a bird without significantly limiting airflow into the jet engine.

20. The bird strike deflection device of claim 18, wherein the deflecting component further comprises a solid nose cone covering the apex.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway side view of a bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting a jet engine of an airplane from damage from a bird strike in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike separated from a cowling of the jet engine in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike attached to the cowling of the jet engine in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike attached to the cowling of the jet engine in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike hingedly attached to the cowling of the jet engine in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0028] FIG. 8A illustrates a cutaway view of one pattern of a screen of a deflector body of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0029] FIG. 8B illustrates a cutaway view of another pattern of a screen of a deflector body of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a debris clearing component of the bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting the jet engine of the airplane from damage from a bird strike in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a bird strike deflection device of the present invention for protecting a jet engine of an airplane from damage from a bird strike in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a relatively large and circular metal porous covering for an air intake in front of an aircraft engine. The device will allow for the intake of air by the aircraft, but will keep foreign objects, including birds and other animals, from causing damage to the aircraft. The cover may include a wiper that will clear birds and other debris and objects off the screen after impact to maintain adequate air flow to the engine. The covering can be attached by a plurality of latches and can allow the cover to swing open like a door. A locking latch on the opposite side can offer easy access for working on or inspecting the aircraft as needed.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a bird strike deflection device 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bird strike deflection device 100 is designed for protecting a jet engine 18 of an engine system 10 of an aircraft from damage due to a bird strike. The engine system 10 typically comprises a cowling 12 housing the jet engine 18. An air intake 14 allows the flow of air past a fan 16 and into the jet engine 18 powering a turbine 18. There must be sufficient airflow through the air inlet 14 for the jet engine 18 to function properly.

[0035] The a bird strike deflection device 100 is constructed to allow for the adequate intake of air by the aircraft while simultaneously protecting the jet engine 18 from damage from potential bird strikes. The bird strike deflection device 100 is attachable directly to an exterior of the cowling 12 adjacent to the air intake 14. When the bird strike deflection device 100 is in place over the air intake, the air intake 14 to the jet engine 18 is protectively screened and protected from inadvertently ingesting a bird or other debris.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the bird strike deflection device 100 comprises a deflecting component 110 and an attachment component 130. The deflecting component 110 comprises a deflector body 112 and a rim 120. The deflector body 112 comprises a generally conically shaped screen 114, an apex 116, and a base perimeter 118. The conically shaped screen 114 extends outward from the base perimeter 118 which is sized to fit the cowling 12 surrounding and adjacent to the air intake 14.

[0037] The conically shaped screen 114 extends outward and terminates in the apex 116. The conically shaped screen 114 is convexly oriented to the air intake 14 when the deflecting component 110 is attached to the cowling 12 and in place over the air intake 14. The rim 120 is typically solid and nonporous in construction. The rim 120 extends from and surrounds the base perimeter 118 of the deflecting component 110. The rim 120 provides reinforcement and structural integrity for the deflecting component 110.

[0038] The conically shaped screen 114 is structured to deflect a bird without impeding adequate airflow into the jet engine 18 significant enough to interfere with the operation of the jet engine 18. The conically shaped screen 114 may be constructed as an open mesh or screen and have a structured or an unstructured pattern. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, structured meshes or screens are meshes or screens with the cells arranged in a particular order so that the topology of such mesh is regular. Neighboring cells and points are easily identifiable because of their formation and structure. Structured meshes or screens are applied over rectangular, elliptical, spherical coordinate systems forming a regular grid pattern. For example, the conically shaped screen 114 may have a honeycomb, triangular, diamond, or other geometric shape.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, unstructured meshes or screens are more general and can randomly form any geometry shape. Unlike structured meshes or screens, unstructured meshes or screens do not follow a uniform pattern as the connectivity pattern is not fixed. Advantageously, unstructured meshes or screens can be more flexible than structured patterns. Unstructured meshes or screens are generally used in complex mechanical engineering projects and can be customizable. The conically shaped screen 112 is constructed from aerospace grade aluminum, composite materials, or other lightweight materials typically used to make aircraft components.

[0040] The deflecting component 110 may further comprise a nose cone 122. The nose cone 122 is typically a solid cone that covers the apex 116 of the conically shaped screen 112 providing additional reinforcement and structural integrity for the deflecting component 110. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the deflecting component 110 may further comprise a plurality of structural ribs 124. The plurality of structural ribs 124 extend generally upward from the base perimeter 118 to the apex 116 providing additional reinforcement and structural integrity for the deflecting component 110.

[0041] The attachment component 130 is configured to secure the deflecting component 110 to the cowling 12 so that the deflecting component 110 covers the air inlet 14 of the jet engine 18. The attachment component 130 comprises a flange body 132 and a plurality of attachment elements 134. The flange body 132 is of solid construction and is attached to and extends substantially perpendicularly outward from the rim 120 of the deflecting component 110. The flange body 132 is further shaped to engage and fit the cowling 12. The flange body 132 may be molded to the shape of the cowling 12 to ensure a customized fit.

[0042] The plurality of attachment elements 134 are configured to removably attach the bird strike deflection device 100 to the cowling 12. The plurality of attachment elements 134 may be bolts, clamps, latches, or any similar mechanical fastener. Alternatively, the plurality of attachment elements 134, may be rivets or similar permanent mechanical fasteners used to permanently attach the bird strike deflection device 100 to the cowling 12.

[0043] The attachment component 130 may alternatively be hingedly attached to the cowling 12. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the attachment component 130 may further comprise a hinge element 138 and a locking element 138. The hinge element 136 allows the deflecting component 110 to swing open away from the cowling 12 to permit access to the jet engine 18 for inspection or maintenance. The locking element secures the deflecting component 110 for use locking the flange body 132 to the cowling 12.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the bird strike deflection device 100 may further comprise a debris clearing component 140. The debris clearing component 140 is attached to and extends outwardly from the nose cone 122 of the apex 116 of the deflection component 110. The debris clearing component 140 comprises a rotatable wiper blade 144. The rotatable wiper blade 144 is attached to the nose cone 122 by a rotatable connecting element 144 so that the rotatable wiper blade 144 is free to move. The rotatable wiper blade 144 then extends downward from the nose cone 122 and is arcuate in shape to fit the conically shaped screen 114. The rotatable wiper blade 144 is configured to remove debris from the conically shaped screen 114 following a bird strike. The debris clearing component 140 may be wind driven or be in electrical communication with the aircraft to receive power.

[0045] FIG. 10 illustrate an additional embodiment of a bird strike deflection device 200. The a bird strike deflection device 200 is configured to allow for the intake of air into the jet engine 18 while protecting the jet engine 18 from bird strikes. The bird strike deflection device 200 is integrated into and extends outward from the jet engine cowling housing adjacent to the engine air inlet 14 of the jet engine 18 of an airplane.

[0046] The bird strike deflection device 200 comprises a jet engine cowling 202 and a deflecting component 210. The deflecting component 210 comprises a deflector body 212 and a rim 220. The deflector body 212 comprises a generally convexly conically shaped screen 214, an apex 216, and a base perimeter 218. The conically shaped screen 214 extends outward from the base perimeter 218 which is sized to fit the cowling 202 surrounding and adjacent to the air intake 14.

[0047] The conically shaped screen 214 then terminates in the apex 216. The conically shaped screen 214 is convexly oriented to the air intake 14 when the deflecting component 210 is integrated into the cowling 202 and in place over the air intake 14. The rim 120 is typically solid and nonporous in construction. The rim 120 extends from and surrounds the base perimeter 118 of the deflecting component 110. The rim 120 is seamlessly integrated into the cowling 202

[0048] The conically shaped screen 214 is structured to deflect a bird without impeding adequate airflow into the jet engine 18 significant enough to interfere with the operation of the jet engine 18. The conically shaped screen 214 may be constructed as an open mesh or screen and have a structured or an unstructured pattern as discussed supra. The deflecting component 210 may further comprise a nose cone 222. The nose cone 222 is typically a solid cone that covers the apex 216 of the conically shaped screen 212 providing additional reinforcement and structural integrity for the deflecting component 210.

[0049] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the bird strike deflection devices 100 and 200 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the bird strike deflection devices 100 and 200 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the bird strike deflection devices 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the bird strike protection devices 100 and 200 and their components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the bird strike deflection devices 100 and 200 and their various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the bird strike deflection devices 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the bird strike deflection device 100 and 200 are designed to be applied.

[0050] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.