Flute-shaped pipe

Abstract

A flute tube for aircraft anti-icing, comprising: a hollow body having a first end and a second end wherein the body is open at the first end and closed at the second end; the spray pipes are inserted into the main body from the peripheral surface of the main body, the main body comprises a first sleeve and a second sleeve which are nested together, each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve is provided with a hollow inner cavity, the outer diameter of the second sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the first sleeve, a gap between the first sleeve and the second sleeve is closed at the first end, and the second end is closed at the second end. And wherein a plurality of nozzles are inserted through the first sleeve into the second sleeve and are in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the second sleeve. According to the flute-shaped pipe, the heat preservation layer is formed between the first sleeve and the second sleeve, so that heat of hot air input into the flute-shaped pipe can be effectively preserved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of aircraft anti-icing, and in particular, to a piccolo. Background Art

[0002] Currently, aircraft such as civil aircraft primarily use hot air for wing anti-icing. Specifically, this method uses bleed air lines to distribute hot air from the engine to a fluted tube of a certain length. The hot air in the tube is then ejected through multiple nozzle holes on the surface of the fluted tube onto the inner surface of the aircraft's skin. This heat transfer between the ejected hot air and the skin raises the skin temperature, preventing icing on the wings.

[0003] However, as hot air flows through a flute, its temperature decreases with distance. This is primarily due to two factors: first, the flute exchanges heat with the surrounding environment along its length; second, the hot air nozzles along the flute accelerate the hot air inside to the speed of sound due to the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the tube. This acceleration causes a drop in static temperature, and the hot air also diffuses rapidly due to the reduced external pressure. Consequently, current flute tubes have low thermal efficiency.

[0004] To ensure the desired anti-icing effect at the end of the anti-icing horn, the temperature of the hot air at the horn inlet must be increased accordingly. The longer the horn, the higher the temperature must be. However, excessively increasing the horn inlet temperature has two adverse effects: First, excessive horn inlet temperature can cause high-temperature damage or rapid thermal fatigue to the skin or nearby structures when the hot air inside the horn is ejected; second, excessive horn inlet temperature wastes energy, increasing aircraft operating costs and reducing the aircraft's competitiveness.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved piccolo and an aircraft anti-icing device equipped with the improved piccolo, which can solve the problems and defects in the above-mentioned prior art. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a flute-shaped pipe, which can effectively keep the input hot air warm and improve the thermal efficiency of the flute-shaped pipe.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a piccolo is provided for aircraft anti-icing. The piccolo comprises: a hollow body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is open at the first end and closed at the second end; and a plurality of nozzles inserted into the body from an outer peripheral surface thereof. The body comprises a first sleeve and a second sleeve nested together, each having a hollow inner cavity, the outer diameter of the second sleeve being smaller than the inner diameter of the first sleeve. A gap between the first and second sleeves is sealed at the first end, and the plurality of nozzles are inserted through the first sleeve into the second sleeve and in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the second sleeve. In this manner, an insulating layer is formed between the first and second sleeves by air or insulating material, thereby effectively insulating hot gas input into the piccolo.

[0008] To enhance thermal insulation, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumference of the first sleeve and the outer circumference of the second sleeve are silver-plated or mirror-finished to reduce radiative heat transfer. Alternatively, the gap between the first and second sleeves can be filled with a thermal insulation material, such as aerogel felt, foam plastic, or glass wool.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the flute further includes a retaining plate located at the second end of the main body, wherein a positioning boss is centrally disposed on the retaining plate, and wherein the inner diameter of the positioning boss is equal to the outer diameter of the second sleeve, or the outer diameter of the positioning boss is equal to the inner diameter of the second sleeve. In this way, the positioning boss can be used as a stopper to accurately position the second sleeve to extend coaxially with the first sleeve when the second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, thereby facilitating subsequent alignment of the nozzle mounting holes of the two sleeves and installation of the nozzle through the two sleeves.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second sleeves are provided with a plurality of holes aligned in pairs, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is partially provided with external threads, and each of the plurality of holes is optionally provided with corresponding internal threads. In this way, the nozzles can be screwed into the first and second sleeves to install them. Of course, alternative embodiments can also be envisioned in which the first and second sleeves are provided with a plurality of holes aligned in pairs, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is inserted into a corresponding pair of aligned holes and welded to the first and second sleeves.

[0011] To enhance the sealing performance of the flute pipe and improve the thermal insulation performance of the insulation layer between the first and second sleeves, the flute pipe may also include multiple sealing gaskets. Each of the multiple nozzles may be provided with a flange extending circumferentially around the nozzle at its mid-length, and the flange abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the first sleeve via the sealing gasket. Alternatively, the flute pipe may include multiple sealing members, each of which is provided around the circumference of a corresponding one of the holes in the first sleeve, wherein the sealing member comprises airtight rubber.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, ends of the first sleeve and the second sleeve at the second end of the main body are respectively and individually closed.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the piccolo further includes a docking device disposed at the first end of the main body for connection to a fluid supply line. The docking device has an inner diameter no less than the inner diameter of the second sleeve, and an outer surface of the docking device may be smooth or threaded. The docking device is configured to enable the piccolo to engage with a corresponding docking device of a fluid supply line of an aircraft anti-icing system, thereby enabling hot air to be delivered to the piccolo via the fluid supply line.

[0014] The present invention employs a flute-shaped pipe body with a double-layered sleeve. A gap is created between the two sleeves, and air or other insulating material fills the gap to insulate the hot air in the inner sleeve. This ensures uniform hot air temperature within the inner sleeve, ensuring a consistent hot air temperature from the nozzles. This allows for ideal anti-icing / de-icing performance without increasing the inlet air temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference may be made to the following description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments depicted therein and are not necessarily to scale. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a flute according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of a flute;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the flute;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the flute;

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the flute;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a side view of a flute; and

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the flute tube taken along the axis of rotation X.

[0023] Reference Signs List

[0024] 100 flute

[0025] 1 Main body

[0026] 101 First End

[0027] 102 Second End

[0028] 2 First sleeve

[0029] 21 Outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve

[0030] 22 Inner circumferential surface of the first sleeve

[0031] 23 Inner cavity of first sleeve

[0032] 3 Second sleeve

[0033] 31 Outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve

[0034] 32 Inner circumferential surface of the second sleeve

[0035] 33 Inner cavity of the second sleeve

[0036] 4 nozzles

[0037] 5 Docking device

[0038] 6 baffles

[0039] 7 retaining ring

[0040] X rotation axis

[0041] d1 Inner diameter of the first sleeve

[0042] d2 outer diameter of the second sleeve DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings shows specific embodiments in which the present invention can be put into practice. The embodiments are intended to fully describe the various aspects of the present invention in detail so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following description of the specific embodiments should not be considered restrictive. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims and the full range of equivalents covered by the claims. The same reference numerals are used throughout all drawings and the specific embodiments to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0044] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the flute 100 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally a rotating member that rotates about an axis of rotation X, which extends along the length of the flute 100. The circumferential direction refers to directions forming a circle around the axis of rotation X. The terms "outer" and "inner" are defined relative to the external environment of the flute 100. For example, components located further inside the flute 100 are closer to the axis of rotation X than components located further outside the flute 100.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a flute 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing its overall external structure. Figure 7 FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of a flute 100 taken along the rotation axis X, illustrating the internal structure of the flute 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Generally speaking, the flute 100 includes a main body 1 formed of a first sleeve 2 and a second sleeve 3, a plurality of nozzles 4 inserted into the main body 1 from the outside, and a docking device 5 provided at one end of the main body 1 for docking with a fluid supply line (not shown).

[0046] As shown in the drawings, the main body 1 is preferably shaped into a hollow cylinder and has a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite to each other, wherein the first end 101 is open to enable the main body 1 to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply line of an aircraft anti-icing device (not shown), and the second end 102 is closed to prevent hot air from escaping from the end. Figure 7The illustrated embodiment includes a first sleeve 2 and a second sleeve 3 nested together, wherein the first sleeve 2 has an outer circumferential surface 21 facing the outside of the main body 1, an inner circumferential surface 22 opposite the outer circumferential surface 21, and a hollow inner cavity 23, while the second sleeve 3 has an inner circumferential surface 32 facing the rotation axis X, an outer circumferential surface 31 opposite the inner circumferential surface 32, and a hollow inner cavity 33. The outer diameter d2 of the second sleeve 3 is smaller than the inner diameter d1 of the first sleeve 2, so that the second sleeve 3 can be inserted into the first sleeve 2 along the rotation axis X and located in the inner cavity 23 of the first sleeve 2, that is, the outer circumferential surface 31 of the second sleeve 3 is separated by a certain distance from the inner circumferential surface 21 of the first sleeve 2. Preferably, the first sleeve 2 and the second sleeve 3 extend coaxially.

[0047] like Figure 1 、 Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the gap between the first sleeve 2 and the second sleeve 3 is sealed at the first end 101 of the main body 1, while the sleeve 1 is completely sealed at the second end 102 of the main body 1. This leaves the inner cavity 33 of the second sleeve 3 open to the outside world, but isolates the inner cavity 23 of the first sleeve 2 from the outside world. This creates a portion of the inner cavity 23 of the first sleeve 2 that is not occupied by the second sleeve 3. This portion provides an insulating layer for the flute 100, preventing the hot air from the fluid supply pipe from significantly cooling as it travels through the flute 100. Specifically, the air in this portion insulates the hot air in the inner cavity 33 of the second sleeve 3.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumferential surface 22 of the first sleeve 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the second sleeve 3 are silver-plated or mirror-finished to further reduce heat dissipation from the flute 100 and enhance thermal insulation. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the gap between the first sleeve 2 and the second sleeve 3 may be filled with insulating material, such as aerogel felt, foam plastic, glass wool, etc.

[0049] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the flute 100 further includes a plurality of nozzles 4. These nozzles 4 are inserted into the main body 1, particularly the outer circumferential surface 21 of the first sleeve 2, and extend into the second sleeve 3, in fluid communication with the inner cavity 33 of the second sleeve 3. Each of the plurality of nozzles 4 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 21 of the first sleeve 2, but preferably does not protrude from the inner circumferential surface 32 of the second sleeve 3, thereby ensuring a smooth inner circumferential surface 32. However, alternative embodiments envision the nozzles 4 extending into the inner cavity 33 of the second sleeve 3, protruding from the inner circumferential surface 32 of the second sleeve 3. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the plurality of nozzles 4 are collinearly arranged along the axis of rotation X, i.e., the longitudinal extension of the main body 1, and extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation X. However, it is also envisioned that the nozzles 4 may be arranged in multiple rows on the main body 1 to form an array of nozzles, and / or that the nozzles 4 may extend at an angle to the axis of rotation X. When de-icing or anti-icing is required, hot gas flows from the fluid supply line into the inner cavity 33 of the second sleeve 3 and is ejected out of the flute 100 through the plurality of nozzles 4 to reach the part of the aircraft that needs de-icing or anti-icing.

[0050] To install the nozzle 4, holes are drilled in each of the first and second sleeves 2, 3. These holes are aligned in a radial direction (perpendicular to the axis of rotation X) to facilitate insertion of the nozzle 4. The nozzle 4 can be configured to have external threads on a portion of its outer surface, while the holes in the first and second sleeves 2, 3 can optionally have corresponding internal threads. When installing the nozzle 4, the holes in the first and second sleeves 2, 3 are aligned, and the nozzle 4 is then threaded through the first sleeve 2 and into the second sleeve 3 until the portion of the nozzle 4 protruding from the outer circumferential surface 21 of the first sleeve 2 is free of external threads. Preferably, to ensure the airtightness of the insulation layer between the two sleeves 2, 3, a sealing member such as an airtight rubber can be provided around the holes, particularly around the periphery of the holes in the first sleeve 2. Alternatively, a flange can be provided, preferably midway along the length of the nozzle 4, and a gasket can be provided on the outer circumferential surface 21 of the first sleeve 2 to contact the boss when the nozzle 4 is inserted, thereby sealing any gap between the nozzle 4 and the hole. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and alternative embodiments may also conceive of welding the nozzle 4 to the first sleeve 2 and the second sleeve 3 through the aligned pairs of holes of the first sleeve 2 and the second sleeve 3, or adopting injection molding, gluing or other fixing means.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first sleeve 2 and the second sleeve 3 are flush at the second end 102 of the main body 1. A single retaining plate 6 simultaneously closes the ends of the first and second sleeves 2, 3 at the second end 102. A retaining ring 7 closes the gap between the first and second sleeves 2, 3 at the first end 101 of the main body 1. Preferably, to facilitate positioning of the second sleeve 3 relative to the first sleeve 2, a centrally located positioning boss can be provided on the retaining plate 6. The inner diameter of the positioning boss is equal to the outer diameter of the second sleeve 3, or the outer diameter of the positioning boss is equal to the inner diameter of the second sleeve 3. Before the second sleeve 3 is inserted into the first sleeve 2, the retaining plate 6 and the retaining ring 7 are sealedly connected to the first sleeve 2 by means such as welding or gluing. This allows the second sleeve 3 to rest on the positioning boss during insertion, thereby securing the second sleeve 3 coaxially with the first sleeve 2. This facilitates subsequent alignment of the bores and installation of the nozzle 4.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the end of the second sleeve 3 at the second end 102 of the main body 1 can be positioned within the inner cavity 23 of the first sleeve 2 and sealed separately. In this way, the main body 1 is configured similarly to a double-walled thermos cup. In this case, it is conceivable to pre-install the nozzle 4 into the second sleeve 3, then perforate the sheet forming the first sleeve 2, insert the nozzle 4 through the sheet, and then wrap it around the second sleeve 3. This is then sealed, and the retaining plate 6 and retaining ring 7 are installed.

[0053] The piccolo 100 also includes a docking device 5 at its first end 101 for docking with a fluid supply line of an aircraft anti-icing system. To ensure that hot gas does not obstruct the flow of hot gas into the inner cavity 33 of the second sleeve 3 of the piccolo 100, the docking device 5 is sized to have an inner diameter no smaller than that of the second sleeve 3. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the docking device 5 is integrally formed with the second sleeve 3 and extends continuously from the first end 101 of the second sleeve 3. However, alternative embodiments contemplate a separate component connected to the first end 101 of the main body 1 by welding, riveting, screwing, or the like. The outer surface of the docking device 5 may be smooth or have external threads, as long as it securely engages with a corresponding docking device of the fluid supply line.

[0054] After testing, it was verified that the temperature drop of hot air flowing in the flute tube using a single-layer sleeve in the prior art is about 30°C, while the temperature drop of hot air flowing in the flute tube using a double-layer sleeve in the present invention is only about 1°C, which is 96% smaller than the prior art.

[0055] The flute tube of the present invention is provided with inner and outer sleeves to insulate the input hot air, and a nozzle is provided to slow down the dissipation speed of the hot air in the flute tube during ejection, thereby achieving anti-icing work without increasing the intake air temperature of the flute tube, solving the problem of significant cooling of the hot air flow during its flow in the flute tube in the prior art.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," "having," or any further variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, which are merely illustrative and non-restrictive. Those skilled in the art, informed by the present invention, may make any possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention and the scope of protection of the claims. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent variations, and modifications made to the above-described embodiments in accordance with the technical essence of the present invention that do not depart from the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flute-shaped pipe for aircraft anti-icing, comprising: a body, the body being hollow and having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is open at the first end and closed at the second end; a plurality of nozzles inserted into the main body from an outer peripheral surface of the main body, It is characterized by: The main body includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve nested together, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve both have a hollow inner cavity, and the outer diameter of the second sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the first sleeve. wherein a gap between the first sleeve and the second sleeve is closed at the first end, And wherein, the plurality of nozzles are inserted into the second sleeve through the first sleeve and are in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the second sleeve.

2. The flute according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner peripheral surface of the first sleeve and the outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve are silver-plated or processed into mirror surfaces.

3. The flute according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat insulating material is filled in the gap between the first sleeve and the second sleeve, wherein the heat insulating material includes air, aerogel felt, foam plastic or glass wool.

4. The flute according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also included is a blocking piece located at the second end of the main body, Wherein, a positioning boss is centrally provided on the baffle. And wherein, the inner diameter of the positioning boss is equal to the outer diameter of the second sleeve, or the outer diameter of the positioning boss is equal to the inner diameter of the second sleeve.

5. The flute according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first sleeve and the second sleeve are provided with a plurality of holes aligned in pairs, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is at least partially provided with an external thread.

6. The flute according to claim 5, characterized in that: The invention further comprises a plurality of sealing gaskets, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is provided with a flange extending circumferentially around the nozzle at an intermediate length thereof, and wherein the flange abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve via the sealing gasket.

7. The flute according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of seals is also included, each of the plurality of seals being disposed around a periphery of a corresponding one of the holes of the first sleeve, wherein the seals include airtight rubber.

8. The flute according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first sleeve and the second sleeve are provided with a plurality of holes aligned in pairs, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is inserted into the corresponding pair of aligned holes and fixed to the first sleeve and the second sleeve by welding.

9. The flute according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Ends of the first sleeve and the second sleeve at the second end of the main body are respectively and individually closed.

10. The flute according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also included is a docking device for connecting a fluid supply line, the docking device being disposed at the first end of the main body, Wherein, the inner diameter of the docking device is not less than the inner diameter of the second sleeve, And wherein, the outer surface of the docking device is a smooth surface or a threaded surface.

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