Heatable Air Filter with Joule Effect Heating for Helicopter Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern helicopter air filters are ineffective in temperatures below zero due to hygroscopic materials absorbing moisture, forming ice, and existing heating solutions are inefficient or costly.
Innovation Solution
A heatable air filter with a pleated filtering material panel supported by reinforcement meshes and a heating device with independent electrical conductors on the crests of the filtering material panel, generating heat through the Joule effect to prevent ice formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hygroscopic filtering material is used in the air filter, then the filtering effectiveness is improved, but the filter becomes ineffective below zero temperature due to ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature parameter of the filtering material through electrical heating. The heating device changes the temperature state of the hygroscopic material from below zero (where it would freeze) to above zero (where it remains effective), allowing the filter to maintain its filtering effectiveness across a wider temperature range including cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a heating element to prevent ice formation and as a temperature control mechanism to maintain optimal operating conditions for the hygroscopic material. This multi-functionality allows the air filter system to operate reliably in both cold and warm environments without requiring separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heating device is added to prevent ice formation, then the operational temperature range is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing air filter structure by integrating the heating device directly into the filter housing and electrical connection system. This combination eliminates the need for separate heating components and wiring harnesses, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the expanded operational temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device is designed to be self-regulating and automatically activates when needed to prevent ice formation. The system monitors temperature conditions and provides heating only when necessary, reducing the need for complex control systems and manual intervention, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the heating device is activated continuously, then ice formation is prevented, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when temperature conditions indicate a risk of ice formation. This periodic operation maintains effective ice prevention while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating, as the system cycles the heater on and off based on actual environmental conditions.
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 solution effectively prevents ice formation and melting on the air filter, ensuring continuous operation in cold conditions while being easy and inexpensive to produce, maintaining air flow efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
designed to cause an electric current to flow through said electrified wires, so as to generate heat, due to the Joule effect, on the inside of said outer reinforcement mesh
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle provided with an engine, at least one air intake through which the engine takes in the external air needed to operate, and an air filter arranged downstream of the air intake. The air filter presents: at least one filtering material panel having a corrugated shape having a plurality of crests disposed towards an outer environment and a plurality of valleys arranged towards an internal environment; an outer reinforcement mesh; an inner reinforcement mesh; and a heating device which is designed to heat the filtering material panel. The heating device presents: a plurality of electrical conductors, which are completely independent and separated from the outer reinforcement mesh, rest on the outer surface of the filtering material panel, and are arranged only and exclusively at the crests; and a supply device designed to cause an electric current to flow through the electric conductors so as to generate heat, due to the Joule effect.