Aircraft Aerofoil Dual-Function Anti-Icing and Suction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-icing and boundary-layer suction systems for aircraft wings are cumbersome and heavy due to the need for multiple air pipes and electrically controlled valves, which negatively impacts reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a double-function channel with a multiperforated wall for both anti-icing and boundary-layer suction, utilizing non-return valves to manage air flow effectively, reducing encumbrance and mass by using a single main pipe for both functions, and enhancing reliability through pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air pipes and electrically controlled valves are used to manage anti-icing and boundary-layer suction functions, then the system can achieve dual functionality, but the encumbrance and mass of the system substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single air pipe that serves dual functions: anti-icing and boundary-layer suction. The pipe is equipped with a multiperforated wall section that allows it to perform both functions alternately without requiring separate dedicated pipes for each function, thereby reducing system mass while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the anti-icing air pipe and boundary-layer suction pipe into a single integrated pipe structure. By combining these two previously separate functions into one pipe with selective permeability (multiperforated wall), the system eliminates redundant components and reduces overall encumbrance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air pipes and electrically controlled valves are used to manage anti-icing and boundary-layer suction functions, then the system can achieve dual functionality, but the encumbrance and global mass of the system substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single air pipe is designed to perform multiple functions (anti-icing and boundary-layer suction) by incorporating a multiperforated wall section. This universal component eliminates the need for separate pipes and complex valve arrangements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressure differential created during operation to automatically control air flow direction through the non-return valve, eliminating the need for electrically controlled valves. The system self-regulates based on operating conditions, reducing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If electrically controlled valves are used to manage air flow in the dual-function system, then the system can switch between anti-icing and boundary-layer suction modes, but the reliability of the system negatively affects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrically controlled valves with a mechanically passive non-return valve that uses pressure differential to control air flow direction. This mechanical substitution eliminates electrical components and active control systems, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automatic pressure-driven switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return valve automatically switches between anti-icing and boundary-layer suction modes based on the pressure differential created during operation, without requiring external electrical control. This self-service mechanism improves reliability by eliminating electrical control systems while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Weight of stationary object
If a single main pipe is used for both anti-icing and boundary-layer suction, then the mass and encumbrance are reduced, but the isolation of the two functions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The air pipe incorporates a multiperforated wall section at specific locations to enable boundary-layer suction while maintaining solid walls in other sections for anti-icing function. This local differentiation of pipe structure allows function isolation within a single integrated pipe, reducing mass while preventing cross-contamination of air flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return valve acts as an intermediary element that prevents cross-contamination between anti-icing and boundary-layer suction air flows. By allowing flow in only one direction, it ensures that air used for one function cannot enter the system intended for the other function, maintaining reliability in a single-pipe configuration.
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
The system achieves reduced mass and encumbrance while improving reliability by leveraging pressure differences to isolate anti-icing and boundary-layer suction functions, eliminating the need for multiple valves and enhancing air distribution and suction homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
the anti-icing air remains advantageously confined in this suction-air collection pipe, without being able to join the main pipe. Effectively, although the second non-return valve enables the circulation of the air in the direction going from the suction-air collection pipe to the main pipe, the anti-icing air cannot penetrate into this last pipe, due to the higher air pressure inside the latter.
Data Source
AI summary
For dual management of anti-icing and boundary-layer suction, a system for an aerofoil of an aircraft, including: a channel having a double function of anti-icing and boundary-layer suction; a double-function main pipe to which a device for monitoring the boundary-layer suction and a device for monitoring anti-icing are connected; an anti-icing air-intake pipe connecting the main pipe and the channel; a non-return valve enabling anti-icing air to go from the main pipe to the pipe; at least one suction-air collection pipe connecting the channel and the main pipe; and a non-return valve enabling suction air to pass from the pipe toward the main pipe.