Ceramic Tile with Angled Surfaces and Truss Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation systems for high-speed aircraft and spacecraft lack sufficient strength and resistance to aerodynamic abrasion while maintaining a lightweight design.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation tile featuring a rigid ceramic core with angled surfaces and embedded rods, coated with a high emissivity ceramic material, providing structural reinforcement and improved abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ceramic tiles are used for thermal protection, then thermal insulation is provided, but the tiles lack sufficient strength and resistance to aerodynamic abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a rigid ceramic core reinforced with a three-dimensional truss framework made of high-strength ceramic material. This composite design combines the thermal insulation properties of ceramic with the structural strength of the truss reinforcement, creating a tile that simultaneously provides thermal protection while withstanding aerodynamic loads and abrasion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile incorporates a three-dimensional truss framework that segments the ceramic core into multiple compartments. This segmentation not only reinforces the structural integrity of the tile but also creates a lightweight lattice structure that maintains strength while reducing overall weight. The truss elements act as internal supports distributed throughout the tile volume.
2Strength
If stronger reinforcement materials are added to increase tile strength, then structural strength improves, but the weight of the tile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional truss framework segments the tile into a lattice structure that provides maximum strength-to-weight ratio. By distributing reinforcement throughout the volume rather than adding solid material, the truss design achieves structural strengthening without proportionally increasing weight. The open lattice structure maintains structural integrity while minimizing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The truss-reinforced ceramic structure creates a controlled porous or cellular architecture within the tile. This porous framework provides structural reinforcement through the geometric arrangement of truss members rather than through material density alone, achieving strength enhancement with minimal weight penalty compared to solid reinforcement approaches.
3Ease of manufacture
If flat surfaces are used on tiles, then manufacturing is simplified, but resistance to aerodynamic abrasion between tiles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tile incorporates angled front and rear surfaces that are asymmetric relative to the top and bottom surfaces. This asymmetric geometry, with specific angle ranges, creates interlocking features between adjacent tiles that resist aerodynamic abrasion forces. The angled surfaces deflect airflow and prevent direct rubbing between tiles while maintaining manufacturability through standardized angular features.
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 tile offers enhanced strength, reduced weight, and increased resistance to abrasion, while improving thermal protection through its unique design and materials.
Implementation Method 1
The top surface and at least a contiguous portion of the front and rear surfaces as well as the side surfaces of the covered core is coated with a high emissivity coating
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a thermal insulation tile for providing thermal protection of the external surface of a vehicle. In detail, the tile includes a rigid ceramic core having top and bottom surfaces, side surfaces and parallel front and rear surfaces at a 15 to 45 degree angle to said top surface. A cover completely surrounds the core and is bonded thereto. A plurality of rigid rods extends through the core and the cover and are bonded thereto. The rods are at an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees to the top surface of the core, with the angle thereof in an angular direction opposite to the front and rear surfaces of the core.