Spring-Loaded Flap Air Cooling for Aircraft Battery Floats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered vehicles capable of taking off and landing on water face heat-related performance decline and moisture-induced malfunctions due to excess heat generation and exposure to moisture.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of spring-loaded flaps that open in response to air pressure to permit airflow and cool batteries while preventing moisture intrusion, using passive or active actuation means, such as hinges, torsional springs, or electromechanical components, to maintain effective cooling in wet environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are exposed to moisture in wet environments, then the vehicle can operate on water, but the batteries may malfunction due to moisture contact
Solution Approach 1:
The float is divided into separate compartments: a first compartment that is moisture-proof and houses the batteries, and a second compartment that can be filled with water for buoyancy. This segmentation allows the vehicle to operate on water while protecting the batteries from moisture exposure.
2Temperature
If air cooling is provided to dissipate battery heat, then battery temperature is reduced, but moisture may enter the float through open apertures
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way valve or check valve is used as an intermediary component in the air cooling system. This valve allows air to flow into the float for cooling purposes but prevents moisture from entering, thus mediating between the cooling requirement and moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible moisture-proof membrane or film is used to seal the aperture in the float. This membrane allows for thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining moisture protection, enabling air cooling without compromising the moisture barrier.
3Reliability
If the float structure is made robust to prevent moisture entry, then battery protection is improved, but heat dissipation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The float is segmented into moisture-proof and water-filled compartments, creating dedicated pathways for heat dissipation that are isolated from moisture exposure. This allows robust moisture protection in one area while maintaining effective thermal management in another.
Solution Approach 2:
One-way valves and moisture-proof membranes act as intermediaries that enable thermal exchange while blocking moisture. These components allow heat to escape through controlled pathways without compromising the moisture barrier.
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 solution effectively cools batteries in wet environments, preventing moisture damage and enhancing vehicle performance by dissipating heat through convection, thus extending battery lifespan and flight time.
Implementation Method 1
the flap is configured to open in response to air pressure to permit airflow
Implementation Method 2
cool the battery by allowing air flow to cool the battery
Implementation Method 3
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/696,351, entitled SPRING-LOADED FLAPS FOR AIR COOLING
Implementation Method 4
the flap is configured to open in response to air pressure
Implementation Method 5
a float is provided. The float is configured to hold one or more batteries and provide sufficient buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a system for air cooling in a wet environment includes a propeller coupled to a vehicle capable of at least one of: taking off from and landing on water. The system includes a battery configured to power the propeller, a float configured to hold the battery, and a flap in the float. The flap is configured to open in response to air pressure to permit airflow into the float to cool the battery.