Electrified Air Filter for Aircraft Intake Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air filters for helicopter turbine engines are ineffective in low temperatures due to hygroscopic materials absorbing moisture, forming ice or surface moisture, which prevents air from entering, and existing heating solutions are bulky and heavy, making them unsuitable for aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing an electrified air filter with a wave-shaped filtering material panel supported by pleated reinforcement meshes, where a heating device generates heat through electric current flowing through the outer reinforcement mesh, ensuring the filter operates effectively in cold conditions without excessive bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional air filter with hygroscopic filtering material is used, then effective filtration is achieved, but the filter becomes ineffective in low temperatures due to moisture absorption and ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the filtering material through controlled heating. The heating device changes the temperature parameter of the hygroscopic material to prevent moisture absorption and ice formation, thereby maintaining filtration effectiveness across a wider temperature range including sub-zero conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device acts as an intermediary element between the cold environment and the hygroscopic filtering material. It mediates the interaction by providing thermal energy that prevents the harmful effects of cold temperatures on the filtering material's hygroscopic properties
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heating device is added to prevent moisture absorption, then low temperature operation is enabled, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing air filter structure by integrating the heating device into the filter assembly. This combination allows the heating element to be incorporated within or alongside the filtering material and support structure, avoiding the need for separate bulky heating components
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device is designed to provide localized heating only where needed - directly at the filtering material - rather than heating a large volume of air or a bulky housing. This localized approach reduces the overall size and weight of the heating system while maintaining effectiveness
3Productivity
If the filtering material is heated to prevent ice formation, then air flow is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when temperature conditions require prevention of moisture absorption and ice formation. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining air flow productivity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensing that provides feedback to control the heating device. The heating is activated based on detected temperature conditions, ensuring energy is consumed only when necessary to maintain filtration functionality and air flow
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 electrified air filter maintains functionality in low temperatures without the need for bulky heating devices, ensuring efficient air filtration and reduced weight, making it suitable for aircraft use.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (17) which generates heat through passage of an electric current through the outer reinforcement mesh (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an electrified air filter for an intake system of an engine of a vehicle; the manufacturing method comprises the steps of: manufacturing an outer reinforcement mesh and an inner reinforcement mesh; manufacturing a filtering material panel; placing the reinforcement meshes on opposite surfaces of the filtering material panel so as to form a unit; bending the unit in a wave shape; and coupling the wave-shaped unit to a peripheral frame; externally coating the wires of said outer reinforcement mesh with an outer insulation; placing two strips of conductive metal material at the opposite ends of the outer reinforcement mesh; welding the two strips to the ends of the warp wires; and cutting each strip by means of through cuts so as to create spaces and hence obtain from the strip a succession of collectors that are separate from one another.