Altitude-Activated Ozone Converter with Internal Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft environmental control systems face challenges in managing ozone levels at high altitudes, requiring ozone converters that are often externally bypassed at low altitudes to extend their lifespan, but this approach is not self-contained and requires additional components.
Innovation Solution
An ozone converter with an internal altitude-controlled bypass system that automatically switches between bypassing and active ozone conversion based on altitude, using a bellows and variable orifice to modulate air pressure and control the bypass piston, eliminating the need for external bypass lines and control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If an external bypass system is used to protect the ozone converter core at low altitudes, then the converter life is extended, but the system complexity increases and additional external components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass function is merged with the ozone converter core by creating internal bypass passages within the core structure itself. The core housing includes integrated bypass passages that allow air to flow around the catalytic material when needed, eliminating the need for separate external bypass lines and components while still providing the protective bypass function at low altitudes
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass passages are nested within the core housing structure. The internal bypass passages are contained within the core's own housing, creating a nested configuration where the bypass system is embedded inside the converter core itself rather than being an external addition
2Reliability
If external bypass lines and control units are used, then the converter is protected from contamination, but the system requires additional components and external connections
Solution Approach 1:
The converter core housing provides its own integrated bypass passages and control mechanism without requiring external assistance. The altitude-activated actuator is built into the core structure, and the bypass passages are internal, allowing the converter to self-regulate its bypass function based on altitude conditions without external control lines or additional components
3Productivity
If the converter is always active, then ozone conversion is continuous, but the converter is exposed to contamination at low altitudes reducing its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass system is made dynamic through the altitude-activated actuator that automatically opens or closes the bypass passages based on altitude conditions. At low altitudes, the actuator opens the bypass to protect the core; at high altitudes, it closes the bypass to enable ozone conversion, creating a dynamic response to changing environmental conditions
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 internal bypass system ensures efficient ozone conversion at high altitudes while protecting the converter core at low altitudes, maintaining system integrity and reducing complexity by being self-contained with no external connections or control unit modifications.
Implementation Method 1
using a bellows and variable orifice to modulate air pressure and control the bypass piston
Implementation Method 2
an ozone-converting core (core) that includes a catalyst which causes the ozone to decompose to oxygen
Data Source
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AI summary
An ozone converter (110, 210) includes an outer housing (111) having an inlet (206) and an outlet (208), a first channel (159) disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a bypass channel disposed between the inlet and the outlet and separated from first channel. The converter also includes a core (160, 212) disposed within the first channel and a bypass control mechanism that includes one more blocking elements that causes inlet air to pass through the first channel or the bypass channel based on an altitude of the ozone converter. The control mechanism includes a piston (195) that moves between at least a first position and a second position and a bellows (183) that controls a flow a pressurized air to the piston.