Acoustic Panel De-icing via Photolithography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing acoustic panels for aircraft turbine engine nacelles face challenges in combining effective defrosting and acoustic treatment, as traditional defrosting methods obstruct acoustic holes and complicate the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of an acoustic panel with a conductive layer and photosensitive elements, where acoustic holes are drilled before forming the conductive network, allowing precise positioning and avoiding obstruction, and a honeycomb core structure is integrated with a de-icing assembly, followed by electrical insulation and a second skin application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional defrosting methods are applied to the air inlet lip, then defrosting effectiveness is improved, but acoustic performance deteriorates due to obstruction of acoustic holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air inlet lip into distinct functional zones: acoustic treatment areas with perforations for noise reduction and defrosting areas with conductive elements for ice prevention. This spatial segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between acoustic performance and defrosting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the surface properties of the air inlet lip in specific regions. Acoustic holes are provided in certain areas for noise absorption, while conductive elements are placed in other areas for defrosting. This localized differentiation ensures that each function is optimized in its respective location without compromising overall performance.
2Reliability
If conductive elements are added to the air inlet lip for defrosting, then defrosting capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the defrosting function with the acoustic panel structure by integrating conductive elements directly into the panel during manufacturing. This combination eliminates the need for separate defrosting components and simplifies assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining defrosting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning conductive elements and acoustic holes in predetermined patterns during the manufacturing process. This pre-planning of component placement avoids complex assembly operations and reduces manufacturing complexity by establishing the correct configuration early in production.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If acoustic treatment is applied to the air inlet lip, then acoustic performance is improved, but defrosting effectiveness deteriorates due to obstruction of heating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air inlet lip into distinct functional zones: acoustic treatment areas with perforations for noise reduction and defrosting areas with conductive elements for ice prevention. This spatial segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between acoustic performance and defrosting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the surface properties of the air inlet lip in specific regions. Acoustic holes are provided in certain areas for noise absorption, while conductive elements are placed in other areas for defrosting. This localized differentiation ensures that each function is optimized in its respective location without compromising overall performance.
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
This method simplifies the production of acoustic panels with effective defrosting and enhanced acoustic performance by preventing hole obstruction and optimizing the placement of conductive elements, ensuring efficient heat release and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
A solution for defrosting or preventing the accretion of ice on the external surface of the air inlet lip consists in heating the walls of the air inlet lip by an electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
on reveals said grating by a photolithography process
Implementation Method 3
Acoustic panels are well-known structures for absorbing these noises
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for making an acoustic panel (12) for an air intake lip (2) of a nacelle (1) that includes the steps of obtaining a perforated de-icing assembly (14) including at least one array of conducting members obtained by a photolithographic method, said de-icing member (14) being secured to a structure with a cellular web (13). The invention also relates to an air intake lip and to a nacelle.