Turbo-engine compressor tip de-icing via centrifugal bladder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing de-icing methods for aircraft turbo-engine compressor tips are ineffective for prolonged flight in icing conditions, as they require active components or external systems for fluid distribution, which can fail under continuous ice accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A self-sustaining, autonomous de-icing system for turbo-engine compressor tips using a flexible bladder container with a calibrated distribution orifice and passive check valve, leveraging centrifugal forces for continuous fluid distribution without pumps or external pressure, ensuring regular and continuous de-icing fluid application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active pumping systems are used to distribute de-icing fluid, then fluid distribution can be maintained, but device complexity and reliability decrease due to additional active components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the rotation of the compressor tip itself to generate centrifugal forces that distribute the de-icing fluid. The flexible bladder container automatically dispenses fluid through calibrated orifices without requiring external pumps or active control systems. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent rotational motion of the engine component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pumping system with a passive fluid distribution mechanism based on centrifugal force. Instead of using a motor-driven pump to push fluid through pipes, the system relies on the rotational motion of the tip to create centrifugal forces that naturally distribute the fluid through the flexible bladder and calibrated orifices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If de-icing fluid is applied continuously during prolonged flight, then ice accumulation is prevented, but fluid consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of actionVSAvoidfluid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses calibrated orifices with specific dimensions to control the flow rate of de-icing fluid. By carefully selecting the orifice size, the system achieves a balanced fluid consumption that provides continuous protection against ice accumulation while avoiding excessive fluid usage. The flexible bladder also adapts its shape during emptying to maintain optimal flow characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bladder container dynamically changes its shape as it empties, with the concavity widening to maintain fluid pressure and flow rate. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide consistent fluid distribution throughout the entire duration of flight, from full to empty state, without requiring active pressure regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If de-icing fluid is distributed over the entire tip surface, then ice protection is effective, but fluid distribution uniformity is difficult to achieve without active control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice protection effectivenessVSAvoidfluid distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple calibrated orifices distributed across the flexible bladder container, each with precisely controlled dimensions. This local quality approach ensures that fluid is delivered at consistent rates from multiple locations, achieving uniform distribution across the entire tip surface through the combined effect of many small, precisely made openings rather than relying on a single complex distribution system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system effectively maintains a continuous de-icing process during prolonged flight by utilizing centrifugal forces for fluid distribution, ensuring reliable and efficient ice removal without the need for active components or external systems, enhancing the durability and safety of aircraft engines.

Implementation Method 1

The centrifugal forces applied to the container are used to help ensure the progressive emptying thereof during flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the check valve 7 opens automatically according to the temperature, and may for example comprise an active member 10 made of shape memory alloy closing same at ambient or hot temperatures but deforming and opening same when icing conditions are met

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS8322125B2Turbo-engine compressor tip comprising de-icing means

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES SAS

AI summary

The de-icing system comprises a flexible bladder (5) filled with de-icing fluid, pressed by the centrifugal forces produced when the rotor tip (1) is rotating against the inner wall thereof to apply a pressure favoring the progressive and calibrated discharge of the fluid, in the absence of a pump and any other active means. For this, the bladder comprises a concavity (11) at the rear which is automatically enlarged under the effect of centrifugal forces during operation and discharges the fluid continuously from the bladder.