Aircraft Moisture Diverting Device for Support Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

In aircraft, moisture condensing on the outer skin and thawing during descent can drip into the cabin through gaps in the insulation layer around support members, leading to inefficiencies in manual moisture absorption and installation challenges for technicians.

Innovation Solution

A prefabricated moisture diverting device with a moisture absorbent first portion and an evaporative second portion, preassembled onto the support member, which captures and evaporates moisture, reducing manual labor and installation time by being easily attachable and movable along the support member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual wrapping material is used to absorb condensate on support members, then moisture absorption is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive for technicians working overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture diverting device is pre-assembled onto the support member before installation in the aircraft. The first portion (moisture absorbing material) and second portion (evaporative material) are already positioned and secured, eliminating the need for technicians to manually wrap materials during installation. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation time while maintaining reliable moisture absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual wrapping of support members is performed after installation, then moisture absorption is achieved, but the process becomes complex and difficult to perform overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption capabilityVSAvoidease of manual wrapping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is assembled on the ground before support member installation, transforming a complex overhead manual operation into a simple attachment process. Technicians only need to attach the pre-assembled device rather than perform intricate wrapping maneuvers overhead, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The moisture diverting device is divided into distinct portions: a first portion with moisture absorbing material and a second portion with evaporative material. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the overall assembly process, making it easier to manufacture and install.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the insulation layer is made waterproof, then moisture protection is improved, but condensate cannot drain properly and may drip into the cabin through support member holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof protectionVSAvoidcondensate dripping into cabin

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture diverting device acts as an intermediary component installed at the support member hole where the insulation layer penetrates. It captures condensate that would otherwise drip into the cabin and redirects it through the evaporative second portion, eliminating the harmful dripping effect while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the insulation layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device captures harmful condensate that would drip into the cabin and converts it into evaporated moisture through the second portion. The condensate is absorbed by the first portion and then evaporated by the second portion, transforming a harmful liquid intrusion into a benign evaporation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 diverts and evaporates moisture from support members, reducing moisture ingress into the cabin and streamlining the installation process by allowing preassembly and easy attachment, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing technician workload.

Implementation Method 1

The first portion is fabricated from a moisture absorbent material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a first portion with a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a first opening that extends between the edges and that is sized to receive the member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

The second portion is fabricated from an evaporative material. The second portion is coupled to the first portion such that the moisture absorbed by the first portion is transmitted to and evaporated by the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11072411B2Devices and methods for diverting moisture from a support member

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Devices and methods to control moisture at a support member in a vehicle. The devices are configured to be attached to the support member and include a moisture absorbing portion and an evaporative portion. Methods of assembling the support member in the vehicle include prefabricating the device and preassembling the device onto the support member prior to the support member being installed in the vehicle.