Integrated Aircraft Ice Protection and Electronic Cooling System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ice protection systems for aircraft, such as bleed air systems and electric wing ice protection systems, are complex, expensive, and inefficient, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced thrust due to high power requirements and weight penalties.

Innovation Solution

An ice protection system that combines an electronics cooling system with a reservoir and conduits to distribute coolant onto aerodynamic surfaces, using a porous panel to leak coolant and prevent ice formation, which also serves to cool electronics, thereby reducing the need for high power and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If bleed air systems are used for ice protection, then ice formation on aerodynamic surfaces is prevented, but engine thrust is reduced and fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice formationVSAvoidengine thrust

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electronics cooling system and ice protection system into a single integrated system. The coolant loop serves dual purposes: cooling electronics through heat exchangers and preventing ice formation on aerodynamic surfaces through fluid distribution. This merging eliminates the need for separate bleed air extraction, maintaining engine thrust while providing both cooling and anti-ice functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant fluid performs multiple functions simultaneously: it cools electronic components, prevents ice formation on wings and control surfaces, and can be used for de-icing. This multi-functionality replaces single-purpose systems like bleed air (which only provides anti-ice) with a versatile thermal management system that improves overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electric wing ice protection systems are used, then ice formation is prevented, but system weight and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice formationVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ice protection function with the electronics cooling system, creating a unified fluid distribution network. This eliminates the need for separate heavy heating elements, wire bundles, and power distribution systems required by traditional electric ice protection systems. The same coolant infrastructure provides both cooling and anti-ice functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic/fluid-based ice protection instead of electrical heating. Coolant fluid is pumped through distribution lines to aerodynamic surfaces where it prevents ice formation. This hydraulic approach replaces heavy electrical infrastructure with lighter fluid distribution systems, reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional ice protection systems are used, then ice formation is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice formationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system architecture. The electronics cooling loop and ice protection system share common components including the coolant reservoir, pump, distribution manifold, and fluid lines. This integration reduces the number of separate systems, components, and maintenance procedures compared to traditional separate cooling and anti-ice systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant system is designed as a universal thermal management platform that can provide cooling, heating, and ice protection functions. This multi-functional design simplifies system architecture by eliminating redundant infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining all required functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system enhances fuel efficiency and operation by reducing ice formation on aircraft surfaces while minimizing the power and weight requirements, allowing for more efficient and lighter aircraft engines.

Implementation Method 1

distributes coolant from the reservoir through the first conduit in thermal contact with electronics, so that heat is transferred from the electronics to the coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)