Flexible Thermoelectric Composite for Aircraft Sensor Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft thermal sensors require electrical power, which diverts energy from the aircraft's power sources, leading to a net power drain, and there is a need for a self-sustaining power source to operate temperature sensors without electrical power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of highly flexible thermoelectric composite devices that convert heat into electrical energy, which can power temperature sensors and other aircraft components, reducing reliance on conventional electrical power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrical power is diverted from aircraft power sources to thermal sensors, then temperature sensing function is achieved, but net power drain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature sensing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric composite device generates its own electrical power by converting the temperature difference between the aircraft assembly surface and ambient environment into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect, enabling the temperature sensor to operate autonomously without diverting power from aircraft power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the waste heat emitted by the aircraft assembly surface, which would otherwise be useless thermal energy, into useful electrical energy through the thermoelectric effect, thereby powering the temperature sensor and turning a harmful heat loss into a beneficial power source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Power

If flexible thermoelectric composite devices are used to convert heat into electrical energy, then self-sustaining power source is achieved, but device flexibility and conformability to curved surfaces must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidconformability to curved surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a flexible thermoelectric composite device with a thin-film structure that can be bent and conform to curved aircraft assembly surfaces while maintaining its thermoelectric functionality, allowing deployment on non-planar surfaces for power generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes a composite material structure combining thermoelectric materials with flexible substrate materials, enabling both electrical energy generation through heat conversion and mechanical flexibility to adapt to various surface geometries on aircraft assemblies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 flexible thermoelectric composite devices provide a self-sustaining power source for temperature sensors and other components, reducing energy consumption and weight, enhancing safety and reliability by continuously generating electricity from aircraft heat emissions.

Implementation Method 1

flexible thermoelectric composite device configured to sustain a temperature gradient and convert heat energy into electrical charges or current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4530590A1Highly flexible thermoelectric composite materials for temperature sensing in aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 THE BOEING CO

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Figure 5A~5B

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are directed for the use of at least one highly flexible thermoelectric device positioned in contact with and/or adjacent to heat-emitting aircraft assembly surfaces for the purpose of harvesting and/or converting energy in the form of heat to produce an electric current used to power an aircraft component.