Folding Wing Overfolding to Extend De-Icing Fluid Holdover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding wing aircrafts face challenges in maintaining effective holdover time of ice removal fluids due to high inclination of folding wing tips, leading to increased operational costs and delays, as existing solutions like higher viscosity fluids or frequent re-application are not optimal.
Innovation Solution
Applying ice removal fluid to folding wing portions and holding them in an overfolded position relative to the fixed wing reduces run-off, enhancing adherence and extending holdover time by minimizing exposure to wind and precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ice removal fluid is applied to highly inclined folding wing tip surfaces, then de-icing and anti-icing functions are achieved, but run-off of the fluid increases due to gravity, reducing holdover time
Solution Approach 1:
The folding wing portion is moved from a static highly inclined position to a dynamic overfolded position after fluid application. This dynamic repositioning changes the surface inclination angle, reducing gravity's effect on the applied fluid and minimizing run-off, thereby extending holdover time
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle parameter of the folding wing portion is changed from a highly inclined state to an overfolded state with reduced inclination. This parameter change directly addresses the run-off issue by altering the gravitational component acting on the applied ice removal fluid
2Reliability
If higher viscosity ice removal fluids are used to reduce run-off, then holdover time may be extended, but operational costs increase and the fluids are not optimal for the application
Solution Approach 1:
The folding wing portion itself serves as the mechanism to extend holdover time by changing its position. The aircraft's own structural capability is utilized to reduce fluid run-off, eliminating the need for specialized high-viscosity fluids and associated increased costs
3Reliability
If frequent re-application of ice removal fluid is performed to maintain holdover time, then adequate protection is ensured, but operational delays and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overfolded position is adopted as a preliminary protective measure immediately after fluid application. This pre-positioning creates a protective configuration that prevents rapid fluid loss, extending the effective holdover time and reducing the frequency of re-application needed
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 overfolded position minimizes fluid run-off and exposure to adverse conditions, thereby increasing the holdover time of the applied ice removal fluid, reducing operational costs and delays.
Implementation Method 1
run-off of the applied ice removal fluid from highly inclined aircraft surfaces due to the prevailing atmospheric conditions, the viscosity and water content of the applied ice removal fluid and/or the inclination of the aircraft surface
Implementation Method 2
minimizing exposure to wind and precipitation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of applying an ice-removal fluid (113) to a folding wing aircraft (100) is described, the method comprising applying the ice-removal fluid (113) to the folding wing portion (103) and holding the folding wing portion in an over-folded position (111) once the ice-removal fluid (113) has been applied. A method of operating an aircraft (100) during ground based operations is further described using the method of applying an ice-removal fluid (113).