Buoyancy driven passive vehicle air drying system and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft, moisture from cabin air condenses and freezes against the cold outer wall during high-altitude flights, leading to water droplets thawing and dripping back into the cabin through insulation layer holes, causing moisture issues due to the waterproof insulation layer's design.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system with first and second ducts extending through the insulation layer, where air from the cabin moves into the gap between the outer wall and insulation, cools, and moisture freezes, then air moves downward through the second duct back into the cabin, preventing moisture from entering via passive airflow and using a seal to direct air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a waterproof insulation layer is used to prevent liquid from entering the cabin, then the insulation effectiveness is improved, but moisture can still condense and freeze on the outer wall and thaw to drip into the cabin through holes in the insulation layer
Solution Approach 1:
A breathable membrane is introduced as an intermediary layer between the waterproof insulation layer and the cabin interior. This membrane allows water vapor to pass through while preventing liquid water from entering the cabin, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining insulation effectiveness and preventing moisture intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane is a porous material that selectively permits water vapor transmission while blocking liquid water. The porous structure allows vapor molecules to diffuse through while the surface tension and pore size prevent liquid droplets from penetrating, thereby solving the moisture intrusion problem while preserving insulation performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support members extend through the insulation layer to hold monuments and bins, then the structural functionality is improved, but holes are created that allow thawed liquid to drip into the cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable membrane serves as an intermediary that lines the holes created by support members. This membrane allows the support members to extend through the insulation layer for structural functionality while preventing thawed liquid from dripping into the cabin through these openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane is installed over the holes in the insulation layer where support members pass through. The porous structure allows vapor transmission while the physical barrier prevents liquid water from entering the cabin through the support member openings.
3Reliability
If the insulation layer is made waterproof to prevent liquid flow, then the liquid barrier effectiveness is improved, but moisture control in the cabin is worsened due to condensation and freezing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The breathable membrane acts as a mediator between the waterproof insulation layer and the cabin interior. It maintains the liquid barrier effectiveness of the insulation layer while simultaneously allowing moisture vapor to escape, thereby preventing moisture accumulation in the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable membrane's porous structure enables selective permeability - it maintains the liquid barrier function of the waterproof insulation layer while allowing water vapor to pass through, thus preventing moisture accumulation without compromising liquid barrier effectiveness.
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
Effectively removes moisture by freezing it on the outer wall and capturing it with drains, preventing moisture from entering the cabin, thus maintaining a drier environment within the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
moisture in the air within the gap to freeze against the outer wall when the air in the gap moves from the first duct to the second duct
Implementation Method 2
air within the vehicle to passively move through the first duct and into the gap, move downward through the gap where moisture in the air freezes against the outer wall
Implementation Method 3
A seal is positioned at the gap to prevent airflow
Implementation Method 4
drains configured to receive moisture that accumulates within the gap
Data Source
AI summary
Ventilation systems and methods for controlling moisture in a vehicle. The ventilation systems include one or more inlet ducts and outlet ducts that extend through an inner wall and into a gap formed at an outer wall. The ventilation systems provide for passive air flow with air moving into the one or more inlet ducts and into the gap. The air is cooled against the outer wall and vertically drops along the gap. Moisture in the air freezes against the outer wall while the air is in the gap. The less humid air then moves through the one or more outlet ducts and back into the interior space.