Aircraft Surface Liquid Management Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current moisture management systems in aircraft are heavy, costly, and reduce effectiveness when compressed, leading to inefficiencies in managing condensation within the cabin.

Innovation Solution

The method involves printing liquid management patterns, such as liquid flow paths and retaining patterns, on aircraft surfaces using UV curable inks and digital inkjet texture printing, which modifies surface wettability to divert and retain moisture without the need for separate devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional moisture management devices (drains, insulation blankets, dehumidifiers) are installed in the aircraft, then moisture control capability is improved, but aircraft weight increases and manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture control capabilityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the moisture management function directly into the aircraft structure by forming liquid flow paths and retaining patterns on structural surfaces. This integration eliminates the need for separate moisture management devices, thereby reducing aircraft weight while maintaining moisture control capability through the patterned surface structure alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft structure is given multiple functions: it provides both structural support and moisture management. The liquid flow paths and retaining patterns on the structure's surface enable the structure to actively manage condensation and moisture, replacing the need for dedicated moisture control devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If absorbent moisture management devices are compressed during installation, then installation flexibility is improved, but moisture absorption effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidmoisture absorption effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical compression-based moisture management with a surface pattern approach. Instead of relying on compressible absorbent materials that lose effectiveness when rolled or stacked, the invention uses liquid flow paths and retaining patterns formed on surfaces that guide and manage moisture through capillary action and gravity, eliminating the compression-effectiveness trade-off

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple separate moisture management devices are installed, then moisture control coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture control coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple moisture management functions (condensation drainage, moisture retention, liquid flow control) into a single integrated surface structure. The liquid flow paths and retaining patterns work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and their associated complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface structure is segmented into different functional zones with liquid flow paths for drainage and retaining patterns for moisture accumulation. This segmentation allows different moisture management functions to be performed in different areas while maintaining a simple overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach provides efficient and cost-effective moisture management within aircraft, reducing weight and maintaining effectiveness by integrating moisture control directly into the aircraft structure without increasing manufacturing time or weight.

Implementation Method 1

printing liquid management patterns, such as liquid flow paths and retaining patterns, on aircraft surfaces using UV curable inks and digital inkjet texture printing, which modifies surface wettability to divert and retain moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWettability modification: Wetting

Implementation Method 2

curing the one or more features with ultraviolet (UV) light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20230398568A1Methods for forming liquid management patterns on a surface of a structure of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method includes printing one or more features on a surface of a structure of an aircraft, and providing, by the one or more features, one or more liquid management patterns. The printing can includes controlling, by a control unit, a printer to form the one or more features on the surface of the structure. The method can also include curing the one or more features with ultraviolet (UV) light.