Composite Ice Protection Heater for Aircraft Noise Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice protection systems for aircraft leading edges and nacelle inlet lips lack noise attenuation capabilities, while noise attenuation systems do not provide effective ice protection, creating a need for an electrothermal system that can both prevent ice formation and attenuate engine fan noise.
Innovation Solution
A composite ice protection heater is developed, comprising a laminated structure with an electrically conductive layer and insulating layers, featuring spaced openings for noise attenuation and electrical resistance, allowing for both ice protection and noise reduction by dissipating thermal and acoustic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrothermal heating elements are used for ice protection, then ice accumulation is prevented, but noise attenuation capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrothermal heating elements with noise attenuating structures into a single integrated component. The heating elements are embedded within a porous or perforated matrix structure that provides both thermal heating for ice protection and acoustic absorption for noise attenuation, allowing one component to perform multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element structure is designed to serve multiple purposes: it provides electrothermal heating to prevent ice accumulation while simultaneously functioning as a noise attenuator through its porous or perforated design. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate ice protection and noise control systems.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If noise absorbing liner is used to suppress engine noise, then acoustic energy is converted to heat, but ice protection capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The noise absorbing liner is integrated with electrothermal heating elements within the same structural component. The porous matrix that absorbs acoustic energy also serves as the medium for embedding heating elements, creating a unified structure that simultaneously addresses noise suppression and ice protection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner structure is designed to perform dual functions: absorbing acoustic energy from engine fan noise while simultaneously providing ice protection through embedded heating elements. This multi-functional design allows the same component to protect against both acoustic and thermal hazards.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heating elements are intermittently spaced to conserve power, then electrical power consumption is reduced, but continuous ice protection coverage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are distributed throughout the porous or perforated matrix structure, creating a uniform heating pattern across the entire surface. This continuous distribution of heating capability ensures complete ice protection coverage while allowing for efficient power management through controlled activation of different zones.
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 composite heater effectively prevents ice accumulation and attenuates engine fan noise, addressing the dual challenges of ice protection and noise reduction on aircraft surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Aircraft regulations require designers to consider flight conditions that contribute to ice formation and ice accumulation on critical portions of the aircraft... resistance-heating elements positioned along an aircraft's leading edges... use various types of electric heating elements
Implementation Method 2
These liners can convert acoustic energy into heat, and typically consist of a porous skin supported by an open-cell honeycomb matrix. Some have postulated that the partially open cells of the liner create a Helmholtz resonant effect that absorbs sonic energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention includes an ice protection heater (10,100) for an aircraft component. The ice protection heater (10,100) includes a woven fabric sheet (550,650,750) comprising a plurality of warp and fill threads. At least some of the warp or fill threads (752,754) are electrically conductive. The woven fabric sheet may include discontinuities in form of holes or slits (530) whereby a desired electrical resistance may be obtained.