Aircraft Air Intake Self-Cleaning Filter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft air intakes with barrier filters often become clogged, leading to reduced performance, malfunction, or damage of onboard equipment due to the complexity and need for multiple actuators in self-cleaning arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An air intake system utilizing a single linear actuator to control the movement of a closing lid and filter carrier, allowing for bypass, filtering, and cleaning positions, with a filter that can be self-cleaned by reversing airflow, reducing the need for multiple actuators and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier filter is installed in the air intake system, then unwanted materials are prevented from reaching onboard equipment, but the filter becomes clogged and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter carrier is made movable relative to the filter element, allowing the system to transition between a filtering mode (filter carrier blocks airflow) and a cleaning mode (filter carrier rotates to allow reverse airflow). This dynamic configuration enables the filter to maintain protection while periodically regenerating its filtering capability without requiring removal or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning by utilizing the aircraft's forward motion to generate reverse airflow through the filter element. The filter carrier rotates to a cleaning position where the oncoming airflow automatically removes accumulated contaminants from the filter surface, eliminating the need for external cleaning equipment or manual maintenance intervention.
2Extent of automation
If self-cleaning arrangements are implemented, then the filter can be cleaned on board, but complex arrangements with multiple actuators are required
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it rotates the filter carrier to the filtering position to block airflow for contamination prevention, and rotates the filter carrier to the cleaning position to allow reverse airflow for self-cleaning. This multi-functional actuator eliminates the need for separate actuators for filtering and cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering function and cleaning function are merged into a single operational cycle controlled by one actuator. The filter carrier's rotation between filtering and cleaning positions is managed by a single actuator mechanism, combining what would traditionally require separate actuation systems into one integrated control system.
3Reliability
If the filter carrier blocks the opening, then filtering is effective, but airflow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The filter carrier alternates between blocking the opening (filtering position) and allowing airflow (cleaning position) in a periodic cycle. During the filtering position, the filter carrier blocks the opening to prevent contaminants from entering the aircraft. During the cleaning position, the filter carrier rotates to allow reverse airflow to clear accumulated contaminants. This periodic switching maintains filtering effectiveness while periodically restoring airflow capability.
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 effectively regulates airflow, filters unwanted materials, and self-cleans the filter, preventing equipment damage and reducing maintenance needs, while minimizing performance impact and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element (8) arranged in the filter carrier (4) and configured to filter the incoming airflow
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator (1) able to move between at least a first position, a second position and a third position
Implementation Method 3
a first rotating strut (3) rotatably connected to the closing lid (2) around a second axis, the first rotating strut (3) being further connected to a first end of the linear actuator (1) and connected to the filter carrier (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of air intakes for aircraft onboard equipment or areas inside the aircraft and relates to an aircraft comprising an air intake with a barrier filter for filtering an incoming airflow and allowing cleaning such barrier filter.