Aircraft Moisture Diversion System With Concave Drip Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircrafts, moisture from the insulation blanket gaps can drip into the passenger cabin due to condensation and thawing, especially during flights, as existing moisture control methods like waterproof insulation and moisture control felt become ineffective in high humidity environments or when displaced during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A moisture diversion system comprising a drip shield with a concave upper surface, moisture channels, a trough, drain, and drain tube to capture and route moisture away from the cabin, including features like central beads and joggles to enhance moisture flow and attachment to the insulation blanket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If waterproof insulation blanket is used, then moisture penetration is prevented, but liquid moisture can still flow along the blanket and drain into the bilge or cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture channeling function from the insulation blanket by introducing a separate drainage system consisting of drainage channels formed in the insulation blanket itself, along with drainage holes and waterproof membranes. This separates the insulation function from the moisture management function, allowing the blanket to maintain its waterproof barrier while the dedicated drainage system handles liquid moisture flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary drainage system that includes drainage channels, drainage holes, and waterproof membranes. These intermediary structures are positioned between the insulation blanket and the bilge/cabin to intercept and redirect liquid moisture flow, preventing it from reaching sensitive areas while maintaining the overall waterproof integrity of the insulation system.
2Reliability
If moisture control felt is used, then incremental improvement in moisture control is achieved, but it becomes saturated in long flights or high humidity environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by creating a passive drainage system that uses gravity and capillary action to continuously channel liquid moisture away from the cabin. The drainage channels and holes form a gravity-driven flow path that operates continuously without saturation limits, unlike moisture-absorbing felt materials that have finite capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a waterproof membrane as a flexible barrier that directs liquid moisture flow through defined drainage paths. This thin film structure provides continuous moisture management capability that does not degrade or saturate over time, maintaining reliability throughout extended flight durations and high humidity conditions.
3Ease of repair
If insulation blanket is dislocated during maintenance, then repair access is improved, but the blanket's ability to channel liquid moisture towards the bilge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-forming drainage channels and holes directly in the insulation blanket during manufacturing. These drainage features are built into the blanket structure beforehand, so that even if the blanket is dislocated or repositioned during maintenance, the drainage functionality is already embedded in the material itself rather than relying on precise external alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drainage functionality directly into the insulation blanket by forming drainage channels and holes within the blanket material itself. This integration ensures that the moisture channeling capability travels with the blanket regardless of its position, maintaining ease of operation even when the blanket is repositioned during maintenance activities.
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
Effectively captures and directs moisture away from the passenger cabin, reducing moisture ingress and eliminating the need for ineffective moisture-absorbing felt, even in long flights or high humidity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
During a flight, liquid from moist air can condense against the skin, particularly at the top of the fuselage
Implementation Method 2
a drip shield with an upper surface having a concave shape, at least one moisture channel disposed in the upper surface of the drip shield
Implementation Method 3
a drain including a drain aperture extending into the liquid conduit to draw moisture from the liquid conduit into the drain
Data Source
AI summary
A moisture diversion system of an aircraft for capturing moisture from at least one internal aircraft structure or at least one gap, the moisture diversion system comprising: a drip shield with an upper surface having a concave shape, at least one moisture channel disposed in the upper surface of the drip shield, the drip shield being in a moisture capturing orientation under the at least one internal aircraft structure or the at least one gap.