Aircraft Immersion Body with Gas Bubbles for Liquid Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for taking up liquids into aircraft are inefficient, requiring slow flight speeds, high energy input, and are limited to specific types of aircraft, making them impractical for rapid liquid refueling and posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A device with an immersion body that generates gas bubbles to envelop the body, allowing it to be towed through water at high speeds with minimal energy input, compatible with various aircraft types, and includes features like cavitators and air outlets to stabilize and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the aircraft flies slowly to lower the device and pull it through water, then the device can be effectively towed through water, but the liquid uptake process takes a long time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
A self-propelled torpedo serves as an intermediary device between the aircraft and the water. The torpedo independently propels itself through water using its own propulsion system, while the aircraft merely tows it via a cable. This mediator approach allows the aircraft to maintain high flight speeds while the torpedo efficiently performs the liquid uptake function, resolving the contradiction between flight speed and liquid uptake productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The torpedo is equipped with its own propulsion system that enables it to move through water autonomously. This self-service capability means the torpedo does not rely on the aircraft's motion to pull it through water, allowing the aircraft to fly at high speeds without being constrained by the need to move slowly for effective liquid uptake
2Quantity of substance
If the device is lowered into water to take up liquid, then liquid can be transferred into the aircraft, but the device slows the aircraft down considerably and requires high energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The torpedo acts as an energy-efficient intermediary that performs liquid uptake independently. Its self-propulsion system requires minimal energy from the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to maintain its speed and energy levels while the torpedo handles the liquid transfer operation separately
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid uptake function is segmented from the aircraft system and transferred to the independent torpedo. This segmentation allows the aircraft and torpedo to operate independently, with the torpedo handling the energy-intensive liquid uptake task while the aircraft maintains its flight performance
3Ease of operation
If the aircraft flies close to the water surface to use the device, then the device can effectively access water, but this limits the types of aircraft that can use the system and reduces flight safety
Solution Approach 1:
The torpedo serves as a mediator that decouples the aircraft from direct water contact requirements. Since the torpedo independently navigates and operates in water while being towed by the aircraft, various aircraft types can use the system without needing to fly close to the water surface, enhancing both versatility and safety
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
Enables rapid liquid uptake at high speeds, increasing firefighting capacity to five drops per hour without structural changes, reducing costs, and ensuring flight safety.
Implementation Method 1
the immersion body generates at least one gas bubble for at least partially enveloping the immersion body
Implementation Method 2
allowing it to be towed through water at high speeds with minimal energy input
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a device for accepting liquids, such as water, in an aircraft. The device includes at least one immersion element that includes at least one water inlet port, and a device for generating a gas bubble for at least partly surrounding the immersion element and/or a device for generating a gas film at least in part on the immersion element.