PNEUMATIC DE-ICING SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT

Abstract

A pneumatic de-icing system (10) for an aircraft, this system (10) comprising a stack of layers including: - a support layer (12) adapted to cover a part of the aircraft, - an outer layer (14) opposite the support layer (12) and adapted to be elastically deformed to detach the ice on this outer layer (14), - a first layer (16) of first inflatable cells (18) interposed between the support layer (12) and the outer layer (14), and - a second layer (20) of second inflatable cells (22) interposed between the first layer (16) and the support layer (12). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: PNEUMATIC TYPE DE-ICING SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic type de-icing system for an aircraft, as well as a method for manufacturing such a system. Technical background

[0002] A de-icing system is intended to equip the wings, tail assemblies, engine air intakes or other similar parts belonging to aircraft such as airplanes or helicopters.

[0003] It is known that when these aircraft cross areas where weather conditions are harsh and unfavorable, frost can form in particular in the more or less long term on these aerodynamic surfaces.

[0004] This ice buildup can subsequently lead to increased weight and a change in the wing's aerodynamic profile, potentially altering the aircraft's lift and drag, and therefore its flight behavior. Thus, these surfaces can be equipped with electric or pneumatic de-icing systems.

[0005] An electric defrosting system generally comprises electric heating elements. A pneumatic defrosting system generally comprises an inflatable bladder, and the invention relates to this latter case.

[0006] A pneumatic de-icing system generally comprises a flexible envelope which at least partially covers the aerodynamic surface to be protected from frost and which can be inflated to change its shape or profile.

[0007] Thus, when frost forms on the aerodynamic surface, pressurized gas is sent into the envelope. The envelope then undergoes a sudden expansion which causes the frost layer to break into a plurality of pieces, and then ejects these from the surface.

[0008] In the current technique, a de-icing system comprises a stack of layers including:

[0009] - a support layer suitable for covering the aircraft part to be protected from frost,

[0010] - an external layer opposite to the support layer and capable of defining the surface aerodynamics on which frost is likely to form, and

[0011] - a layer of inflatable cells intercalated between the support layer and the layer external.

[0012] This cell layer is connected to a gas passage port for supplying gas to the cells, as well as for evacuating gas from the cells.

[0013] The cells are arranged next to each other in the cell layer.

[0014] However, when the cell layer malfunctions, the entire de-icing system malfunctions. One solution to this problem is to divide the cell layer into several independent networks, each network comprising its own cells and connected to its own gas passage port. The cell networks are distributed throughout the cell layer, and when one of the cell networks malfunctions, the other cell network(s) can continue to be used because they operate autonomously.

[0015] However, this degraded mode of operation is not optimal because, insofar as the cells of the different networks are distributed within the same layer, it is understood that the areas of the aerodynamic surface corresponding to the non-functional cells will not be inflated and therefore cannot be separated from the frost.

[0016] The present invention offers a simple, effective and economical solution to this problem. Summary of the invention

[0017] The invention relates to a pneumatic de-icing system for an aircraft, this system comprising a stack of layers including:

[0018] - a support layer suitable for covering a part of the aircraft,

[0019] - an outer layer opposite to the support layer and capable of being deformed elastically to detach the frost on this outer layer,

[0020] - a first layer of first inflatable cells intercalated between the layer of support and outer layer, this first layer being connected to at least one first gas passage port at the level of the support layer, the first inflatable cells being arranged side by side in the first layer,

[0021] characterized in that it further comprises:

[0022] - at least one second layer of inflatable second cells intercalated between the first layer and the support layer, this second layer being connected to at least one second gas passage port at the level of the support layer, the second cells being arranged next to each other in the second layer and being able to be supplied with gas by said at least one second port independently of the gas supply of the first cells by said at least one first port.

[0023] The invention thus proposes to have a redundancy of the cell layer, that is to say, the de-icing system comprises two or more superimposed and independent cell layers. The cell layers are therefore arranged in a sandwich configuration. The first layer of primary cells operates autonomously and may comprise one or more independent cell networks. Similarly, the second layer of secondary cells operates autonomously and may This involves one or more independent cell arrays. The first cells can be inflated without inflating the second cells, or simultaneously with them. The overlapping of cells and their autonomous operation are advantageous for several reasons. The second cell layer can serve as a backup, used only when the first cell layer malfunctions. The second cell layer can be used alternately with the first cell layer to avoid overloading the first layer and thus extend its lifespan. The second cell layer can be used simultaneously with the first cell layer, as the cell layers can be smaller than those of the previous technique because they are distributed across two separate layers.Furthermore, since the layers are superimposed, even if the first layer fails, the second layer can inflate the entire aerodynamic surface to be protected without the risk of leaving uninflated areas as in the previous technique.

[0024] The system according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features or steps, considered independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0025] - the first layer comprises:

[0026] - a single first gas passage port, the first cells all being connected connected to each other to form a single first network of cells linked to the single first port, or

[0027] - two or more initial gas passage ports, the initial cells being distributed in two or more first cell networks, the first cells of each network being connected to each other and to one of the first ports, the first networks being capable of being supplied with gas by said first ports independently of each other;

[0028] - the second layer comprises:

[0029] - a single second gas passage port, the second cells all being connected connected to each other to form a single second cell network linked to the single second port, or

[0030] - two or more secondary gas passage ports, the secondary cells being distributed in two or more secondary cell networks, the secondary cells of each network being connected to each other and to one of the secondary ports, the secondary networks being capable of being supplied with gas by said secondary ports independently of each other;

[0031] - the first cells each have a generally elongated shape and extend parallel to each other, and in which the second cells each have a general elongated shape and extend parallel to each other;

[0032] — the first cells extend parallel to the second cells;

[0033] — the first cells extend perpendicularly to the second cells or of inclined manner relative to the second cells;

[0034] — the number and / or dimensions of the first cells is / are identical to the number and / or dimensions of the second cells; alternatively, the number and / or dimensions of the first cells is / are different from the number and / or dimensions of the second cells;

[0035] - at least some of the first and second cells are directly positioned one on top of the other;

[0036] - at least some of the first and second cells are offset from each other by relationship to others;

[0037] - the first cells are formed between two sub-layers or sub-superpositions of layers which are connected together along first lines of connection so as to delimit the contours of the first cells, and in which the second cells are formed between two sub-layers or superpositions of sub-layers which are connected together along second lines of connection so as to delimit the contours of the second cells;

[0038] — the first and second connecting lines are formed by sewing or welding;

[0039] — the layers or superpositions of layers that form the first and second cells are made of elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer;

[0040] — at least one of the sublayers or superpositions of sublayers that form the first cells comprise a first drainage layer with interconnected voids, and at least one of the sub-layers or superpositions of sub-layers that form the second cells comprises a second drainage layer with interconnected voids;

[0041] - the first port extends from the support layer to the first layer of the first cells and passes through a filling element which is located next to the second layer of second cells;

[0042] - the first and second ports are at least partly perpendicular to the layer of support.

[0043] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a defrosting system according to one of the preceding claims, in which it comprises the following steps:

[0044] a) deposition or formation of the outer layer on a mold,

[0045] b) deposition or formation of the first and second layers of inflatable cells on the outer layer,

[0046] c) deposition or formation of the support layer on the first and second layers of inflatable cells, and

[0047] before or after step c), a step of linking the first and second ports respectively to the first and second layers of inflatable cells.

[0048] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features or steps, considered independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0049] — after step c), the system is subjected to vulcanization, cold bonding or a hot weld to solidify the stack of layers;

[0050] — the first and second layers of inflatable cells are delimited by:

[0051] - seams that are made before step b), or

[0052] - welds which are carried out before, during or after step b). Brief description of the figures

[0053] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] [Fig. 1] is a very schematic cross-sectional view of a defrosting system according to the invention,

[0055] [Fig.2] is a very schematic view, for example from above, of a defrosting system according to the invention,

[0056] [Fig. 3a] is a very schematic view, for example from above, of a variant of the defrosting system according to the invention,

[0057] [Fig. 3b] is a very schematic view, for example from above, of another variant of the defrosting system according to the invention,

[0058] [Fig. 3c] is a very schematic view, for example from above, of another variant of the defrosting system according to the invention,

[0059] [Fig. 3d] is a very schematic view, for example from above, of another variant of the defrosting system according to the invention,

[0060] [Fig. 3e] is a very schematic view, for example from above, of another variant of the defrosting system according to the invention,

[0061] [Fig. 3f] is a very schematic view, for example from above, of another variant of the defrosting system according to the invention,

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a defrosting system according to the invention.

[0063] [Fig. 5] is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a defrosting system according to the invention,

[0064] Figures 6a-6b show the first steps of a process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of the [Fig.5],

[0065] [Fig.7] shows another step of the process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of [Fig.5],

[0066] [Fig.8] shows another step of the process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of [Fig.5],

[0067] [Fig.9] shows another step of the process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of [Fig.5],

[0068] [Fig. 10] shows another step of the process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of [Fig. 5],

[0069] [Fig. 1 1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a defrosting system according to the invention,

[0070] Figures 12a-12b show the first steps of a process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of the [Fig. 11],

[0071] [Fig. 13] shows another step of the process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of [Fig. 11],

[0072] [Fig. 14] shows another step of the process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of [Fig. 11],

[0073] [Fig. 15] shows another step of the process according to the invention for manufacturing the defrosting system of [Fig. 11],

[0074] Figure 16 shows several operating stages of the defrosting system according to the invention, according to a first mode, and

[0075] [Fig. 17] shows several operating stages of the defrosting system according to the invention, according to a second mode. Detailed description of the invention

[0076] Fig. 1 represents the general principle of the invention, which is the superposition of two layers of inflatable cells within the same de-icing system 10.

[0077] The defrosting system 10 is pneumatic and comprises a stack of layers including:

[0078] - a support layer 12 suitable for covering a part of the aircraft,

[0079] - an outer layer 14 opposite the support layer 12 and capable of being deformed elastically to detach the frost on this layer 14,

[0080] - a first layer 16 of first inflatable cells 18 intercalated between the support layer 12 and outer layer 14, and

[0081] - at least one second layer 20 of inflatable second cells 22 intercalated between the first layer 16 and the support layer 12.

[0082] The first layer 16 is connected to at least one first gas passage port 24, this or these first port(s) 24 being located at the level of the support layer 12.

[0083] The second layer 20 is connected to at least one second gas passage port 26, this or these second port(s) 26 being located at the level of the support layer 12.

[0084] In the example shown, ports 24, 26 are next to each other or to each other.

[0085] Ports 24, 26 are for example made of metal (such as aluminum alloy) or thermoplastic.

[0086] The first cells 18 are arranged next to each other in the first layer 16, and the second cells 22 are arranged next to each other in the second layer 20.

[0087] It is understood that the first cells 18 are supplied with gas by the port(s) 24, independently of the supply of gas to the second cells 22 by the port(s) 26.

[0088] It is important to note that the surface of the part which is intended to be covered by the defrosting system 10 is not necessarily flat and therefore the defrosting system 10 is not necessarily flat in its final operating position.

[0089] For example, when the surface to be protected from frost is a leading edge of a wing or an air intake, it is understood that the de-icing system 10 follows the shape of this surface and therefore has a generally curved shape.

[0090] Although the examples illustrated in the drawings show flat layers, it is understood that these layers can have another shape and in particular any shape.

[0091] Figure 2 is, for example, a top, bottom, or front view of a complete defrosting system 10. It is in the form of a flexible inflatable envelope that can be attached and glued to the surface of the part to be protected, for example.

[0092] In this [Fig.2], the first layer 16 comprises a single first gas passage port 24, and the first cells 18 are all connected to each other to form a single first RI network of cells 18 connected to the single first port 24.

[0093] In this same [Fig.2], the second layer 20 comprises a single second gas passage port 26, and the second cells 22 are all connected to each other to form a single second network RI' of cells 22 connected to the single second port 26.

[0094] It can also be seen that the first cells 18 each have a generally elongated shape and extend parallel to each other, and that the second cells 22 each have a generally elongated shape and extend parallel to each other. Each of the first cells 18 communicates with at least one adjacent first cell 18 by its longitudinal ends, and each of the second cells 22 communicate with at least one other adjacent cell 22 via its longitudinal ends.

[0095] We also see that the first cells 18 extend parallel to the second cells 22.

[0096] As illustrated, the number and dimensions of the first cells 18 can be identical to the number and dimensions of the second cells 22. In addition, the first and second cells 18, 22 can be directly positioned one above the other.

[0097] Fig. 3a is a view similar to that of Fig. 2 of another defrosting system 10.

[0098] In this [Fig.3a], the first layer 16 comprises two or more first gas passage ports 24, and the first cells 18 are distributed in two or more first cell arrays RI, R2, R3.

[0099] The first cells 18 of each of the networks RI, R2, R3 are connected to each other and to one of the first ports 24. The first networks RI, R2, R3 are able to be supplied with gas by the first ports 24 independently of each other.

[0100] The second layer 20 comprises two or more second gas passage ports 26, and the second cells 22 are distributed in two or more second cell networks R1',R2',R3'.

[0101] The second cells 22 of each of the networks RI', R2', R3' are connected to each other and to one of the second ports 26. The second networks RI', R2', R3' are capable of being supplied with gas by the second ports 26 independently of each other.

[0102] It can also be seen that the first cells 18 each have a generally elongated shape and extend parallel to each other, and that the second cells 22 each have a generally elongated shape and extend parallel to each other. Each of the first cells 18 communicates with at least one adjacent first cell 18 by one of its longitudinal ends, and each of the second cells 22 communicates with at least one adjacent second cell 22 by one of its longitudinal ends. The drawing shows that the connection between the cells 18 of the same network RI, R2, R3 is such that this network has a comb-like shape, and that the connection between the cells 22 of the same network RI', R2', R3' is such that this network has a serpentine shape.

[0103] We also see that the first cells 18 extend parallel to the second cells 22.

[0104] As illustrated, the number and dimensions of the first cells 18 can be identical to the number and dimensions of the second cells 22. In addition, the first and second cells 18, 22 can be directly positioned one above the other.

[0105] The embodiment shown in [Fig. 3b] differs from the embodiment shown in [Fig. 3a] in that the number of first cells 18 is greater than the number of second cells 22. Although the second cells 22 are positioned directly below the first cells 18, layer 20 and the second RI' network are less extensive than layer 16 and the first RI network; therefore, layer 20 and the first RI network extend well beyond the second RI' network. Layer 20 and the second RI' network are, for example, located approximately in the middle and below layer 16 and the first RI network.

[0106] We also see that the second port 26 can be at a distance from the first port 24.

[0107] The embodiment variant of [Fig.3c] differs from the embodiment of [Fig.3a] in that the first cells 18 are perpendicular to the second cells 22.

[0108] Moreover, the number and dimensions of the first cells 18 can be identical to the number and dimensions of the second cells 22.

[0109] The embodiment variant of [Fig.3d] differs from the embodiment of [Fig.3a] in that the second port 26 is at a distance from the first port 24.

[0110] The embodiment variant of [Fig.3e] represents a combination of the solutions of figures 3b and 3c.

[0111] The variant embodiment of [Fig.3f] differs from the embodiment of [Fig.3a] in that the first cells 18 are inclined relative to the second cells 22.

[0112] Reference is now made to [Fig.4] which illustrates a more concrete embodiment of a defrosting system 10.

[0113] The outer layer 14 comprises one layer or two or more superimposed sublayers 14a, 14b. In the example shown, it comprises two sublayers 14a, 14b. These sublayers 14a, 14b are, for example, made of elastomer.

[0114] The support layer 12 comprises a single layer or two or more superimposed sublayers. In the example shown, it comprises a single layer, for example of elastomer, but may include at least one fabric or braid.

[0115] The support layer 12 is here traversed by the ports 24, 26. Each of the ports 24, 26 can have a general tubular shape of which a section 28 is projecting on the support layer 12, on the side opposite the external layer 14, and of which another section 30 is engaged in the stack of layers for the purpose of the fluidic connection of its end to the corresponding cells 18, 22.

[0116] In the example shown, we see that the first port 24 extends from the support layer 12 to the first layer 16 of first cells 18 and passes through a filler element 32 which is located next to the second layer 20 of second cells 22.

[0117] The second port 26 extends from the support layer 12 to the second layer 20 of second cells 22.

[0118] It can also be seen that the ports 24, 26 can be at least partly perpendicular to the support layer 12.

[0119] The first cells 18 are preferably formed between two sublayers 34, 36 or superpositions of sublayers 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b which are connected together along first bond lines L1, L2, ..., Ln so as to delimit contours of the first cells 18, as can be seen in figures 1 to 4.

[0120] The second cells 22 are formed between two sublayers 38, 40 or superpositions of sublayers 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b which are connected together along second bond lines L1', L2', ..., Ln' so as to delimit contours of the second cells 22, as can also be seen in figures 1 to 4.

[0121] The connecting lines L1, L2, ..., Ln can be distinct from the connecting lines L1', L2', ..., Ln', in particular in the embodiment of [Fig.3c], 3e, and 3f for example.

[0122] The connecting lines L1, L2, ..., Ln can be superimposed with the connecting lines L1', L2', ..., Ln', in particular in the embodiments of figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3d for example.

[0123] Among the layers 34, 36, 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b, at least one of these layers is preferably a drainage layer Cl, and among the layers 38, 40, 38a, 38b, 40a, 40b, at least one of the layers is a drainage layer C2.

[0124] A Cl, C2 drainage layer is a layer which has interconnected voids which allow fluidic communication between the different cells of the same network.

[0125] The defrosting system 10 of [Fig.5] differs from that of [Fig.4] in that an additional layer 42 of the waterproof membrane type is intercalated between layers 16, 20.

[0126] Reference is now made to Figures 6a to 10, which illustrate a manufacturing process for the de-icing system 10 of [Fig. 4] or 5. In this manufacturing process, the different layers of the stack are considered to be made of elastomer or elastomer-based material, or fabric.

[0127] The process includes a first step a) illustrated in figures 6a-6b of depositing or forming the outer layer 14 on a mold 44, and in particular the sub-layers 14a, 14b one after the other on the mold 44.

[0128] The process includes a step b) illustrated in figures 7 and 8 of preparing the first and second layers 16, 20 of inflatable cells 18, 22 and of depositing these layers 16, 20 on the outer layer 14.

[0129] The connecting lines L1, L2, ..., Ln, L1', L2', ..., Ln' are formed to delimit the cells 18, 22. These connecting lines are advantageously made by seams which cross the corresponding layers.

[0130] The different layers or sub-layers of the first and second layers 16, 20 are stacked as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0131] The assembly is then deposited on the outer layer 14 as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0132] The process then comprises a step c) illustrated in [Fig. 9] comprising the deposition or the formation of the support layer 12 on the first and second layers 16, 20.

[0133] Before or after step c), the ports 24, 26 are connected respectively to the first and second layers 16, 20, as illustrated in figures 9 and 10.

[0134] After step c), the system is preferably subjected to vulcanization to solidify the stack of layers.

[0135] Reference is now made to Figures 11 to 15, which illustrate a manufacturing process for the de-icing system 10, at least some of whose layers are made of thermoplastic (TP) and / or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). A distinctive feature of this system is that the connecting lines can be made by welding. The de-icing system 10 may include at least one fabric or braid.

[0136] The process includes steps a) and b) illustrated in figures 12a, 12b and 13 of deposition or formation of the outer layer 14, and of deposition or formation of the first and second layers 16, 20 of inflatable cells 18, 22 on the outer layer 14.

[0137] Fig. 13 also shows a step c) of deposition or formation of the support layer 12 on the first and second layers 16, 20.

[0138] The bond lines L1, L2, ..., Ln, L1', L2', ..., Ln' can then be formed to delimit the cells 18, 22 ([Fig.14]). These bond lines are advantageously made by welds that pass through the corresponding layers.

[0139] Before or after step c), the ports 24, 26 are linked respectively to the first and second layers 16, 20, as illustrated in [Fig. 15].

[0140] After step c), the system is preferably subjected to hot welding or cold bonding to solidify the stack of layers.

[0141] Figures 16 and 17 show two modes of operation of a defrosting system 10 according to the invention, these defrosting modes being applicable to all the variants described above.

[0142] In [Fig. 16], arrows Fl and F2 show nominal operation of the system 10 during which only the first layer 16 of cells 18 is inflated and used for de-icing. There is an alternation of supplying the cells 18 with pressurized gas and of extracting the pressurized gas and evacuating the cells, so that the cells 18 inflate and deflate at a predetermined rate.

[0143] Arrow F3 shows a failure of the first layer 16 such as for example a sealing defect or a leak from one of the cells 18.

[0144] In this case, arrows F4 and F5 show a backup operation of the system 10 during which only the second layer 20 of cells 22 is inflated and used for de-icing. There is an alternation of supplying the cells 22 with pressurized gas and of extracting the pressurized gas and evacuating the cells, so that the cells 22 inflate and deflate at a predetermined rate, replacing the first cells 18 which are no longer in use.

[0145] In [Fig. 17], the arrows show an alternating operation of the first and second layers 16, 20. The process thus goes from a non-inflated state, to an inflated state in which only the cells 18 are inflated, to a non-inflated state, then to an inflated state in which only the cells 20 are inflated, and finally to a non-inflated state. This cycle is repeated as many times as necessary at a predetermined rate.

[0146] From a dimensional point of view, the cells 18, 22 can have a length of up to one meter or more, and a width of several centimeters. The cells are separated from each other by a distance less than or equal to 1 cm, for example, which corresponds to the width of the connecting lines between the cells.

Claims

Demands

1. A pneumatic de-icing system (10) for an aircraft, said system (10) comprising a stack of layers including: - a support layer (12) adapted to cover a part of the aircraft, - an outer layer (14) opposite the support layer (12) and adapted to be elastically deformed to detach the ice on this outer layer (14), - a first layer (16) of first inflatable cells (18) interposed between the support layer (12) and the outer layer (14), this first layer (16) being connected to at least one first gas passage port (24) in the support layer (12), the first inflatable cells (18) being arranged side by side in the first layer (16), characterized in that it further comprises: - at least one second layer (20) of second inflatable cells (22) interposed between the first layer (16) and the support layer (12),this second layer (20) being connected to at least one second gas passage port (26) at the level of the support layer (12), the second cells (22) being arranged side by side in the second layer (20) and being capable of being supplied with gas by said at least one second port (26) independently of the gas supply to the first cells (18) by said at least one first port (24).

2. De-icing system according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (16) comprises: - a single first gas passage port (24), the first cells (18) being all connected to each other to form a single first network (RI) of cells connected to the single first port (24), or - two or more first gas passage ports (24), the first cells (18) being distributed in two or more first networks of cells (RI, R2, R3), the first cells (18) of each of the networks (RI, R2, R3) being connected to each other and to one of the first ports (24), the first networks (RI, R2, R3) being capable of being supplied with gas by said first ports (24) independently of each other.

3. De-icing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second layer (20) comprises: - a single second gas passage port (26), the second cells (22) all being connected to each other to form a single second network (RT) of cells connected to the single second port (26), or - two or more second gas passage ports (26), the second cells (22) being distributed in two or more second networks of cells (RT, R2', R3'), the second cells (22) of each of the networks (RT, R2', R3') being connected to each other and to one of the second ports (26), the second networks (RT, R2', R3') being capable of being supplied with gas by said second ports (26) independently of each other.

4. De-icing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cells (18) each have a generally elongated shape and extend parallel to each other, and wherein the second cells (22) each have a generally elongated shape and extend parallel to each other.

5. De-icing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least some of the first and second cells (18, 22) are directly positioned one above the other.

6. De-icing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least some of the first and second cells (18, 22) are offset from each other.

7. De-icing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cells (18) are formed between two layers (34, 36) or superpositions of layers (34a, 34b, 36a, 36b) which are connected to each other along first connecting lines (L1, L2, ..., Ln) so as to delimit contours of the first cells (18), and wherein the second cells (22) are formed between two sub-layers (38, 40) or superpositions of sub-layers (38a, 38b, 40a, 40b) which are connected to each other along second connecting lines (LT, L2', ..., Ln') so as to delimit contours of the second cells (22).

8. A de-icing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first port (24) extends from the support layer (12) to the first layer (16) of first cells (18) and passes through a filling element (32) which is located next to the second layer (20) of second cells (22).

9. De-icing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second ports (24, 26) are at least partly perpendicular to the support layer (12).

10. A method for manufacturing a de-icing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises the following steps: a) deposition or formation of the outer layer (14) on a mold (44), b) deposition or formation of the first and second layers (16, 20) of inflatable cells (18, 22) on the outer layer (14), c) deposition or formation of the support layer (12) on the first and second layers (16, 20) of inflatable cells (18, 22), and before or after step c), a step of bonding the first and second ports (24, 26) respectively to the first and second layers (16, 20) of inflatable cells (18, 22).

Images