Composite Aircraft Drain Pan for Step Loads and Heat Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft liquid drainage systems face challenges in withstanding extreme temperatures, supporting step loads, and maintaining structural integrity while being manufactured into complex shapes without increasing manufacturing complexity or costs, especially when exposed to frequent foot traffic and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of a composite material comprising a polymeric resin and reinforcing fibers to create drain pans that integrate a reservoir for catching liquids and a drain for efficient liquid flow, while also supporting step loads and withstanding extreme temperatures, with optional fire-resistant coatings for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fabrication processes are used to create drain pans, then structural strength and temperature resistance are improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of a polymeric resin matrix reinforced with fibrous reinforcement (such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, or aramid fiber). This composite structure provides both the required structural strength and temperature resistance while enabling easier manufacturing through molding processes compared to traditional metal fabrication methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If composite materials are used to create drain pans, then manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but structural strength and temperature resistance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the polymeric resin should have a glass transition temperature of at least 80°C and the composite material should have an elastic modulus of at least 3,000,000 psi. These parameter specifications ensure that the composite material maintains adequate structural strength and temperature resistance while benefiting from easier manufacturing processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the drain pan is designed to support step loads, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single composite drain pan structure: liquid collection, drainage, step load support, and fire resistance. By combining these functions into one monolithic composite component rather than assembling multiple separate parts, the design achieves high structural integrity while actually reducing overall system complexity.
4Temperature
If fire-resistant coatings are added to enhance durability, then temperature resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the polymeric resin should have a glass transition temperature of at least 80°C, which inherently provides fire-resistant properties. This material selection approach achieves temperature resistance through the base composite material itself, eliminating or reducing the need for additional fire-resistant coatings and associated manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a drain pan comprises a composite material forming a reservoir and a drain. The composite material comprises a polymeric resin and a reinforcing fiber. The reservoir is to catch a liquid from an engine and to support a step load. The drain is to drain the liquid from the reservoir. In some examples, a method comprises attaching a drain pan to an aircraft proximate an engine. The drain pan comprises a composite material forming a reservoir and a drain. The method further comprises catching a liquid from the engine in the reservoir of the drain pan and draining the liquid from the reservoir through the drain. In addition, the method comprises supporting a step load on the reservoir of the drain pan.