De-icing Mat Mounting on Wing Leading Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for de-icing or anti-icing on aeronautical wing leading edge structures require complete replacement of the metal shielding and de-icing means, making maintenance and replacement impractical due to the integrated nature of these components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assembly of a de-icing mat independent of the structure, placed between the structure and the metal shielding, with the mat covering only part of the external surface and the shielding having varying thicknesses to facilitate attachment and maintenance, using an elastomeric or composite matrix with heating resistors or conductive fibers, and a filling material to enhance thermal efficiency and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the de-icing means are intimately integrated into the structure and the metal shield is vulcanized together with the structure, then the assembly is strong and protected, but the metal shield and de-icing means cannot be replaced independently
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the assembly into three independent replaceable components: the structure, the de-icing mat, and the metal shield. The de-icing mat is positioned between the structure and metal shield, allowing each component to be replaced independently without affecting the others, thus resolving the contradiction between strong assembly and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-icing mat acts as an intermediary component between the structure and the metal shield. This intermediate layer enables independent replacement of the metal shield and de-icing means while maintaining strong connections through adhesive bonding, solving the contradiction by introducing a mediating element that facilitates modularity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the metal shield is made with uniform thickness, then the manufacturing is simple, but the thermal efficiency and insulation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The metal shield is designed with variable thickness, having a first thickness in regions requiring thermal efficiency and insulation, and a second, smaller thickness in other regions. This local differentiation optimizes thermal performance where needed while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and thermal efficiency.
3Reliability
If the de-icing mat covers the entire external surface, then the de-icing coverage is complete, but the material consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing mat is applied selectively to only the portions of the structure that require de-icing protection, rather than covering the entire external surface. This partial application reduces material consumption and cost while maintaining adequate de-icing coverage for the critical areas, resolving the contradiction between reliability and material loss.
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 independent replacement and maintenance of de-icing means, reduces scrap costs, and improves thermal efficiency while allowing for easy dismantling of the metal shielding for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
This means 14, for example a heating means 14, is, in a conventional manner, intimately integrated into the structure 12
Implementation Method 2
a device for bonding the metal shield to the structure by means of an adhesive material
Implementation Method 3
the de-icing mat comprises an elastomeric matrix
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Method of assembling a de-icing mat (3) and an external protective metal shield (2) on a structure (1), such as a wing leading edge structure (1), comprising the following steps: manufacturing a de-icing mat (3) independent of said structure (1), placing the de-icing mat (3) between said structure (1) and the metal shield (2), said de-icing mat (3) covering only a part (4) of the external surface of said structure (1), fixing said metal shield (2), covering entirely said de-icing mat (3), on the part (5) of the external surface of said structure (1) not covered by said de-icing mat (3).