Fluid Probe Heat Spreader Structure for Icing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitot tube designs face inefficiencies due to the need for auxiliary heat spreaders and increased diameter to prevent icing, leading to higher aerodynamic drag and power consumption, as they struggle to effectively conduct heat to the tip while minimizing cross-sectional area.
Innovation Solution
A fluid probe with a heat spreader structure that includes heat pipes in thermal communication with a thermal energy source, allowing for efficient heating, cooling, or temperature maintenance, which reduces the need for auxiliary heating elements and minimizes probe diameter by integrating heat transfer functionality into the probe's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary heat spreaders and larger diameter are used to prevent icing, then temperature control reliability is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases and device diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat spreader structure with the probe tube structure by making the probe tube itself serve as the heat spreader. The probe tube is constructed with a multi-layer wall structure including an inner wall, outer wall, and thermal conduction members that integrate heating functionality directly into the tube structure, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary heat spreaders and reducing overall device diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe tube structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the fluid sampling conduit and the heat spreader for preventing icing. The thermal conduction members integrated into the tube wall enable the tube to function as both a structural element and a thermal management element, reducing the need for additional dedicated heating components.
2Temperature
If auxiliary heat spreaders are added for remote tip heating, then temperature distribution is improved, but device diameter and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged into the probe tube structure itself through integrated thermal conduction members. The probe tube wall includes an inner wall, outer wall, and thermal conduction members that work together to distribute heat from the base to the tip, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary heat spreaders and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat spreader structure is segmented into multiple functional layers within the probe tube wall: an inner wall defining the fluid passage, an outer wall providing structural support, and thermal conduction members positioned between them. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while working together to achieve uniform temperature distribution.
3Reliability
If integrated heating elements are used locally at the tip, then icing prevention is improved, but probe diameter increases beyond tube structure
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are merged into the probe tube wall structure rather than being added as external components. The thermal conduction members are positioned within the wall thickness between the inner and outer walls, allowing the heating function to be integrated without increasing the external probe diameter beyond the tube structure dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are positioned in the radial dimension within the wall thickness of the probe tube, rather than extending the probe diameter in the axial dimension. This allows thermal management functionality to be added without increasing the probe's external diameter, maintaining a compact cross-sectional area.
4Loss of energy
If aerodynamic fairing is added around the probe tube, then heat loss reduction is improved, but device diameter and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe tube wall structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the fluid passage, and acts as a thermal insulation barrier. The multi-layer wall construction with thermal conduction members integrated within the wall thickness provides thermal management functionality without requiring an external aerodynamic fairing, reducing overall device complexity.
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
This design reduces the size of the pitot tube while maintaining effective temperature control, minimizing drag and power consumption, and preventing icing, thereby improving performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the heat spreader structure includes heat pipes
Implementation Method 2
a thermal energy source in thermal communication with the heat spreader structure; wherein the thermal energy source transfers heat between the heat spreader structure and the thermal energy source
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid probe includes a heat spreader structure that defines therein a fluid chamber that is in fluid communication with an external environment of the probe, and a thermal energy source in thermal communication with the heat spreader structure. The heat spreader structure may be made from heat pipes, which function as both temperature-control elements and structural elements. The thermal coupling of the heat spreader structure and the thermal energy source may be used to transfer heat between the two, heating, cooling, and/or maintaining temperature of the heat spreader structure. The fluid probe may have any of a variety of uses, for example being a pitot tube for an aircraft, a fluid sampling device, a medical device, or a device for injecting a fluid.