Aircraft Water Supply Conduit Coupled to Air Ducts Against Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply systems in aircraft are prone to freezing and icing issues, leading to blockages and system damage, which are costly and weight-intensive to mitigate with current ice protection equipment.
Innovation Solution
Thermally coupling the supply conduit to an aircraft auxiliary conduit, such as an air duct, to maintain the water temperature above freezing, eliminating the need for additional ice protection equipment and reducing weight, cost, and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical ice protection equipment is installed to prevent freezing of water in pipes, then the water supply system reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water supply conduit with the air conditioning duct system, using the existing thermal energy from the air conditioning system to prevent water freezing. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrical ice protection equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through the thermal coupling between the water conduit and air conditioning duct.
2Reliability
If electrical ice protection equipment is installed to prevent freezing of water in pipes, then the water supply system reliability is improved, but the weight of the water supply system increases by more than double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water supply system with the air conditioning system by thermally coupling the water conduit to the air conditioning duct. This integration eliminates the need for heavy electrical heating equipment, buffers, and pumps, thereby significantly reducing the overall weight of the water supply system while maintaining freezing protection capability.
3Reliability
If special precautions are taken to avoid freezing by selecting installation routes far from cold outer skin, then the freezing protection is improved, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air conditioning duct system serve a dual function: providing air conditioning and simultaneously serving as a thermal protection system for the water supply conduits. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate routing considerations and special installation precautions, reducing installation time and cost while ensuring freezing protection.
4Reliability
If electrical ice protection equipment is installed to prevent freezing, then the water supply system reliability is improved, but the electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the water supply system to self-protect against freezing by utilizing the thermal energy already present in the air conditioning duct system. The warm air flowing through the air conditioning duct naturally transfers heat to the water conduit, eliminating the need for external electrical power input for ice protection while maintaining system reliability.
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 solution effectively prevents freezing and icing in the water supply system, reducing maintenance and electrical power consumption while allowing for faster aircraft start-up and eliminating the need for complex ice protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
thermally coupled to an aircraft auxiliary conduit so as to enable a transfer of thermal energy to the supply conduit therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A water supply system for use in an aircraft, and a method for preventing blockages in a water supply system in an aircraft. The system comprises a central water tank comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a supply conduit for permitting fluid flow from the outlet of the central water tank to a user equipment. At least a section of the supply conduit is connected and thermally coupled to an aircraft air duct so as to enable a transfer of thermal energy to the supply conduit therefrom to maintain the temperature of the water in the supply conduit above the freezing temperature thereof.