Flow sensing ozone converter with replaceable core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft environmental control systems face challenges in reducing ozone levels at high altitudes, as existing ozone converters are not efficiently integrated with flow measurement capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and complexities in packaging within limited aircraft spaces.

Innovation Solution

A flow sensing ozone converter design that includes an inlet housing, outlet housing, ozone converter core, and a flow sensor assembly with heat shield and pressure sensors, allowing for removably coupled components and an insulation blanket to enhance ozone conversion performance and simplify installation, while providing integrated flow sensing and oxygen removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing ozone converters are used without flow measurement integration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and productivity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow rate measurementVSAvoidconverter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flow sensor assembly with the ozone converter housing, integrating measurement functionality into the existing converter structure. The flow sensor assembly including pressure sensors and heat shield is merged with the inlet housing, eliminating the need for separate external flow measurement devices while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ozone converter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: ozone conversion and flow rate measurement. The housing serves both as the converter enclosure and as the mounting structure for flow sensing components, allowing a single device to fulfill both ozone removal and flow monitoring roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If the ozone converter core is permanently installed, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair and productivity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore replacementVSAvoidconverter performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The converter is divided into separable components: the ozone converter core and the housing assembly. The core can be independently removed and replaced through the opening in the housing, allowing maintenance personnel to swap out the core without replacing the entire converter assembly, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the converter components are permanently coupled, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and productivity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidcomponent connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between components transitions from permanent to removable/dynamic. The housing and core are designed with complementary features (opening and insertable core) that allow for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining a secure connection during operation, facilitating both manufacturing flexibility and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 measures air flow rates and reduces ozone levels, offering a compact and efficient solution that simplifies maintenance and packaging within aircraft systems, enhancing passenger comfort and regulatory compliance.

Implementation Method 1

a flow sensor assembly with heat shield and pressure sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a flow sensor assembly with heat shield and pressure sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a flow sensor assembly with heat shield and pressure sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 4

an ozone converter core that causes the ozone to decompose to oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 5

an insulation blanket to enhance ozone conversion performance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3489144B1Flow sensing ozone converter with replaceable core
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP3489144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3489144B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3489144B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A flow sensing ozone converter includes an inlet housing (20), an outlet housing (22), and an ozone converter core (24). The flow sensing ozone converter integrates flow sensing and oxygen removal components. The inlet housing is provided with an inlet housing flange (52). The outlet housing is provided with an outlet housing flange (104). The ozone converter core is at least partially received within the inlet housing. The ozone converter is provided with an ozone converter flange (110) that abuts the inlet housing flange and the outlet housing flange.