Integrated Flow Sensing Ozone Converter for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft environmental control systems face challenges in effectively sensing airflow and removing ozone (O3) from ambient air, which is essential for maintaining cabin air quality, as existing ozone converters may not adequately monitor flow or efficiently convert ozone to oxygen (O2).
Innovation Solution
A flow sensing ozone converter is designed with an inlet and outlet housing, a central housing, and integrated sensors to monitor pressure and temperature, featuring a catalytic core for ozone conversion, and a heat shield for thermal protection, allowing for efficient ozone removal and health monitoring within the aircraft environmental control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate flow sensing device and ozone converter are used, then flow monitoring and ozone conversion functions are independent, but system complexity, cost, weight, and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensing device and ozone converter into a single integrated unit. The housing of the ozone converter incorporates pressure ports and sensing elements that enable flow monitoring without requiring a separate device. This merging reduces system complexity, cost, weight, and volume while maintaining both flow monitoring and ozone conversion functions within one unified structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors and components are used for flow and temperature sensing, then measurement capabilities are comprehensive, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone converter housing is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the ozone conversion chamber and as the structure for flow and temperature sensing. Pressure ports are integrated into the housing walls, and sensing elements are mounted directly on the housing, allowing the same structure to perform multiple functions (ozone conversion, flow measurement, temperature measurement) without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If ozone converter without integrated sensing is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but flow health monitoring capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensing elements (pressure ports and sensors) are merged into the ozone converter housing structure. The housing includes pressure ports that communicate with the internal flow path, allowing pressure differential measurement for flow monitoring. This integration enables health monitoring capability without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the sensing components are incorporated into the existing housing design.
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 flow sensing ozone converter effectively removes ozone from airflows, provides health monitoring, and integrates flow and temperature sensing, reducing system complexity, cost, weight, and volume, while ensuring safe ozone levels in the aircraft cabin.
Implementation Method 1
A flow sensing ozone converter is designed with an inlet and outlet housing, a central housing, and integrated sensors to monitor pressure and temperature, featuring a catalytic core for ozone conversion
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow sensing ozone converter includes an inlet housing (40), an outlet housing (42), and a central housing (44). The inlet housing defines a first pressure port (30). The outlet housing defines a second pressure port (32). The central housing extends between a second end of the inlet housing and a first end of the outlet housing.