De-icing Mat Mounting via Segmented Adhesive Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling de-icing mats on wing parts are difficult to dismantle, leading to potential damage and increased maintenance costs, especially when composite materials are involved, as high-temperature solvents or lifting are required for disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A method involving shaping a shielding sheet to complement the wing part, securing the de-icing mat with a free surface for direct contact, injecting a filling resin, and vulcanizing it, which allows for easy disassembly without damaging the components by using a resin with weaker adhesion than traditional glues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional gluing methods are used to secure the de-icing mat to the wing part, then mechanical strength is improved, but ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding system is segmented into two distinct parts: a permanent structural bond using rigid adhesive in non-freezing zones, and a reversible functional bond using flexible adhesive in freezing zones. This segmentation allows each zone to have different bonding characteristics - strong and permanent where needed, weak and removable where required for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different bonding qualities are applied to different locations on the wing part. Non-freezing zones use rigid adhesive for strong structural attachment, while freezing zones use flexible adhesive that allows easy removal. The shielding sheet itself has local quality variations with reinforced edges for structural integrity and flexible central areas for adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If high-temperature solvents or heating are used for disassembly, then the de-icing mat can be removed, but damage to the wing part and shielding sheet increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisassembly capabilityVSAvoiddamage to components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding system uses adhesives with different thermal and chemical resistance parameters tailored to their respective zones. Rigid adhesive in non-freezing zones has high thermal resistance to withstand disassembly processes, while flexible adhesive in freezing zones is designed for easy thermal or chemical removal without damaging underlying components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the shielding sheet is tightly bonded to the wing part, then mechanical strength is improved, but deformation during disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddeformation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding system is segmented into two distinct parts: a permanent structural bond using rigid adhesive in non-freezing zones, and a reversible functional bond using flexible adhesive in freezing zones. This segmentation allows each zone to have different bonding characteristics - strong and permanent where needed, weak and removable where required for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible adhesive acts as a cushioning layer that absorbs and distributes stress during disassembly operations. This beforehand cushioning prevents concentration of forces that could cause deformation of the shielding sheet or wing part, allowing safe removal without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables easy disassembly and reuse of wing parts and shielding sheets, reducing maintenance costs and preventing deformation or damage during disassembly, while maintaining mechanical strength and effectiveness in de-icing.

Implementation Method 1

injection of a filling resin between the de-icing mat and the wing part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a step of vulcanization of the filling resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVulcanization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2226247B1Method for mounting a de-icing mat on a wing
Publication Date: 2012.10.10 AERAZUR SA
  • EP2226247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2226247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2226247B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for assembling a de-icing mat (3) onto a wing component (1), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - shaping a shielding sheet (2) suitable for covering the wing component (1), such that its inner surface (5) has a shape complementary to the outer surface (6) of said wing component (1) opposite it, - attaching the de-icing mat (3) to the inner surface (5) of said shielding sheet (2), reserving a free area of ​​the de-icing mat on the contour (8) of said shielding sheet (2), in order to allow, in a contact zone (7) thus created, direct contact between the contour (8) of the shielding sheet (2) and the wing component (1), - fixing the shielding sheet (2) onto said wing component (1) at the level of said contact zone (7), - injecting a filling resin (4) between the de-icing mat (3) and the sail part (1).