Airflow mix manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft environmental control systems face inefficiencies in airflow mixing and moisture separation within the airflow mix manifold, leading to temperature variations and excessive humidity, which can result in condensation issues due to spatial constraints and the need for larger mixing chambers.
Innovation Solution
An airflow mix manifold design featuring a can with a circumferentially extending moisture collection gutter and a tower with a secondary mixing chamber, which facilitates efficient mixing and moisture extraction through centrifugal force and a compact, integrated system that eliminates the need for active mixing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mixing chamber size is increased to improve airflow mixing efficiency, then mixing performance is improved, but the device occupies more space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is segmented into multiple regions with different functions: a primary mixing region for initial airflow mixing, a secondary mixing region for further mixing, and a moisture separation region. This segmentation allows efficient mixing in a compact volume by creating multiple mixing stages rather than relying on a single large chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the mixing process by creating a multi-level mixing chamber structure. Airflow mixing occurs in both horizontal and vertical directions, utilizing the vertical space to enhance mixing efficiency without increasing the horizontal footprint of the device.
2Productivity
If the mixing chamber height is increased to improve moisture extraction, then moisture separation performance is improved, but the device becomes taller and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is divided into distinct functional zones: a lower mixing zone and an upper moisture separation zone. The moisture separation zone includes a scupper channel positioned at a specific height to collect moisture that coalesces on the chamber walls, enabling effective moisture extraction without requiring excessive chamber height.
Solution Approach 2:
A scupper channel acts as an intermediary structure between the mixing chamber and moisture collection system. This scupper channel intercepts moisture before it can accumulate excessively, providing an efficient moisture extraction mechanism that does not require a tall chamber design.
3Productivity
If active mixing devices are added to improve airflow mixing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is designed to utilize the kinetic energy and turbulence of the incoming airflows themselves to drive the mixing process. The chamber geometry and inlet configurations are optimized to create natural mixing patterns without requiring external active mixing devices, thereby reducing complexity and power consumption while maintaining mixing efficiency.
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 solution enhances airflow mixing efficiency and moisture extraction, reducing the risk of excessive humidity and allowing for a more compact, lightweight, and quieter operation, suitable for aircraft applications without sacrificing performance.
Implementation Method 1
mixing a first airflow with a second airflow within a mixing supply branch of an airflow mix manifold to form a mixed airflow
Implementation Method 2
mixing warm, cabin-drawn air with cool, conditioned air received from an air conditioning pack, and cycling the resulting air mixture back to the cabin. The environmental control system may include an airflow mix manifold in which the warm, cabin-drawn air is mixed with the cool, conditioned air via induced spin and turbulence.
Implementation Method 3
collecting moisture from the mixed airflow that coalesces on an interior sidewall of the can within a moisture collection gutter of the can
Implementation Method 4
The spinning airflow may cause moisture from the air to coalesce on interior walls of the manifold
Data Source
AI summary
An airflow mix manifold includes a can and a tower extending from the can. The can includes an interior sidewall that defines a main mixing chamber. The can defines at least one inlet aperture through the interior sidewall to receive airflow into the main mixing chamber. The can includes a moisture collection gutter that is open to the main mixing chamber and is configured to collect moisture from the airflow that coalesces onto the interior sidewall. The moisture collection gutter extends circumferentially along the can. The tower defines secondary mixing chamber and includes one or more outlets. The secondary mixing chamber is configured to receive the airflow downstream of the can and to direct the airflow to the one or more outlets.