Aircraft Heated Leading-Edge Structure with Circulating Air De-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wing de-icing and anti-icing systems, such as bleed air systems and integrated electrical heating mats, are complex, costly, and difficult to maintain, with potential malfunctions requiring extensive repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A separate heating device is integrated within a closed chamber of the leading-edge structure, using an air conveying device to circulate heated air for de-icing, with independent heating elements that can be easily replaced or repaired, reducing complexity and maintenance efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bleed air system with piccolo tubes is used to heat the leading edge, then de-icing functionality is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to complex moveable interfaces and multiple connected tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into modular heating elements that can be independently installed and replaced. Each heating element is a self-contained unit with integrated heating components, eliminating the need for complex interconnected tube systems and moveable interfaces while maintaining de-icing effectiveness across the leading edge surface.
2Reliability
If an electrical heating mat integrated into composite material is used, then heating function is achieved, but production complexity increases and repair becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are extracted from the composite material structure and implemented as separate, independently replaceable components. This allows the heating function to be maintained while significantly simplifying both manufacturing processes and repair operations, as damaged heating elements can be easily removed and replaced without affecting the composite structure.
3Area of stationary object
If bleed air tubes are connected between consecutive slat bodies, then heating coverage is improved, but installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into independent modular elements that can be installed on each slat body separately. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex interconnections between consecutive slats, allowing each module to be quickly installed independently while providing complete heating coverage across all leading edge surfaces.
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 provides a simple, efficient, and maintainable de-icing system with improved availability and reduced manufacturing costs by eliminating complex interfaces and enabling easy replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
The individual heating devices may exemplarily be supplied with electrical power and are simple to install
Implementation Method 2
the air conveying device is configured to convey air from inside the chamber through the heating device to be heated and returned to the chamber, such that a circulating flow of heated air is created inside the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A heated leading-edge structure for an aircraft includes a leading-edge panel having an outer surface configured to be contacted by an ambient flow, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, a rear panel arranged at least partially arranged at a distance to the inner surface, a closed chamber inside the leading-edge structure, a heating device attached inside the chamber, and an air conveying device in fluid communication with the heating device. The air conveying device is configured to convey air from inside the chamber through the heating device to be heated and returned to the chamber, such that a circulating flow of heated air is created inside the chamber.