Aircraft De-icing Nozzle Distance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current de-icing methods for aircraft wings do not effectively account for the distance between the nozzle and the wing surface, leading to inefficient fluid usage and increased de-icing time, as well as safety risks due to potential collisions and incomplete ice removal.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a distance sensor to measure and control the position and orientation of the nozzle relative to the aircraft wing, ensuring optimal fluid application by maintaining a consistent distance and adapting to the wing's geometry, thereby optimizing fluid distribution and reducing the risk of collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the distance between the nozzle and the wing surface is not controlled, then the de-icing process is simpler, but the amount of de-icing fluid used increases and de-icing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of de-icing fluid usedVSAvoidcomplexity of distance measurement and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual distance estimation and control with an automated optical measurement system. A sensor (optical, ultrasonic, or laser-based) automatically measures the distance between the nozzle and wing surface, and a control system adjusts the nozzle position accordingly, eliminating the need for manual measurement and improving fluid application efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the distance sensor continuously monitors the gap between the nozzle and wing surface, and the control system adjusts the nozzle position in real-time based on this feedback. This ensures optimal distance maintenance and prevents both excessive fluid use and potential collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the nozzle position is not precisely controlled, then the operation is faster, but the de-icing completeness decreases and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of de-icing operationVSAvoidde-icing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual positioning operations with an automated control system that uses sensor feedback to precisely control nozzle position. This automation ensures safe operation by preventing collisions while maintaining efficient de-icing speeds through rapid, accurate position adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic position control where the nozzle position is continuously adjusted based on real-time distance measurements. The system adapts to varying wing geometries and maintains optimal distance throughout the de-icing process, ensuring both safety and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If the nozzle is positioned closer to the wing surface, then less de-icing fluid is needed, but the risk of collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvede-icing fluid wasteVSAvoidcollision risk with wing surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a feedback control system where the distance sensor continuously monitors the gap between the nozzle and wing surface. The control system processes this information and adjusts the nozzle position to maintain an optimal distance that minimizes fluid waste while preventing collision, dynamically balancing these two competing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic distance control that adapts to the local wing geometry. The system continuously adjusts the nozzle position based on real-time measurements, maintaining the optimal distance that prevents both excessive fluid dispersion and collision risks throughout the de-icing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If manual de-icing methods are used without distance control, then the equipment is simpler, but the de-icing precision and fluid distribution uniformity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of fluid applicationVSAvoidcomplexity of automated control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual de-icing operations with an automated system that uses sensors and control algorithms to precisely manage nozzle position and fluid application. This automation delivers consistent, uniform fluid distribution across the wing surface while eliminating the variability inherent in manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8967542B2Dynamic de-icing distance

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 VESTERGAARD CO AS

AI summary

A method for at least partially de-icing an aircraft by applying a de-icing fluid through a nozzle (10) is disclosed. The method involves the steps of: measuring a distance to an outside surface of the aircraft, applying the distance in an evaluation, controlling the position and/or the orientation of the nozzle (10) according to the evaluation, and applying the de-icing fluid at least a part of the outside surface trough the nozzle. In addition, a system for performing the de-icing method is also revealed.