Pneumatic Deicer Runback Channels for Spanwise Ice Ridge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft deicing systems face challenges with ice formation aft of pneumatic deicers due to water runback, which can affect aerodynamic lift and drag, as existing solutions do not effectively manage water flow to prevent spanwise ice ridges.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic deicer system with a runback system featuring a tapered geometry and V-configured channels in the covering layer to direct water flow, preventing ice formation across aircraft surfaces by channeling water into discrete points rather than allowing it to spread spanwise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic deicers are used to dislodge ice from aircraft structure, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but water runback causes spanwise ice ridge formation that degrades aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The runback system divides the continuous water flow path into discrete V-configured channels that segment the water into separate flow streams, preventing spanwise spreading and directing water to specific discharge points away from the aircraft surface
Solution Approach 2:
The runback system acts as an intermediary component between the pneumatic deicer and the aircraft surface, intercepting water runback and channeling it through a controlled path to prevent direct contact with the aircraft surface that would cause ice ridge formation
2Device complexity
If water runback is allowed to flow naturally aft of deicers, then system simplicity is maintained, but ice formation occurs on aircraft surfaces affecting lift and drag
Solution Approach 1:
The runback system utilizes a flexible covering layer with integrated V-configured channels that can be conformally attached to curved aircraft surfaces, providing an elegant solution that maintains aesthetic appearance while effectively managing water runback through the tapered channel geometry
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 solution effectively reduces the formation of spanwise ice ridges by directing water flow in a forward-to-aft direction, preventing ice buildup across aircraft surfaces and maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic deicer may include layers of fabric sewn together to create a series of tubes along an aircraft structure. The tubes may be inflated to dislodge ice from the aircraft structure.
Implementation Method 2
a distal surface of the runback system may be tapered such that a first height of the runback system at a forward end of the runback system is greater than a second height of the runback system at an aft end of the runback system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A runback system for receiving fluid from a deicing system may comprise a body (202) and a first channel (212a) and a second channel (212b) defined by the body. A first end (214a) of the first channel may be spaced apart from a first end (214b) of the second channel. A second end (216a) of the first channel and a second end (216b) of the second channel may meet and form an outlet at an end of the body.