Locking Thermal Conditioning Hose to Prevent Aircraft Coolant Spillage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric aircrafts face challenges in heating and cooling components without causing gas or fluid spillage, which existing thermal conditioning systems are unable to effectively manage, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conditioning hose system with a thermal latch that securely connects to an electric aircraft, utilizing a thermal medium flow path and return path, and equipped with sensors and a controller to manage thermal conditions and prevent unwanted uncoupling, allowing for remote operation and efficient thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermal conditioning hose is used to heat or cool electric aircraft components, then thermal management capability is improved, but the risk of gas or fluid spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic latch uses magnetic attraction forces to secure the thermal conditioning hose to the aircraft port, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that could fail or require complex assembly. This substitution reduces the risk of spillage while maintaining secure thermal medium containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latch system provides automatic engagement and securement of the thermal conditioning hose. When the hose approaches the aircraft port, the magnetic force automatically attracts and secures it in place, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations. This self-securing mechanism ensures consistent, reliable coupling that prevents spillage without requiring human intervention.
2Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented to prevent spillage, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling systems with a simpler magnetic field-based coupling mechanism. Instead of multiple mechanical fasteners, latches, or locking mechanisms, the system uses a magnetic latch that provides secure attachment through magnetic attraction. This reduces the number of moving parts and mechanical components while maintaining or improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter of the coupling mechanism from mechanical force to magnetic force. This parameter change allows for a simpler system design that achieves the same or better security against spillage. The magnetic field can be precisely controlled and provides consistent holding force without the complexity of mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If remote operation capability is added to the thermal conditioning system, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the thermal medium flow, manages the magnetic latch engagement and disengagement, and enables remote operation capabilities. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional controller, the patent avoids adding separate complex subsystems for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive remote operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a locking thermal conditioning hose for an electric aircraft, the apparatus comprising a thermal conditioning hose comprising a thermal medium flow path configured to contain a flow of a thermal medium, a thermal medium return path, the thermal medium return path configured to contain a flow of the thermal medium from an electric aircraft, and a mating component, wherein the mating component is configured to make a connection with an electric aircraft port, and a thermal latch, wherein the thermal latch is configured to couple the thermal conditioning hose to the electric aircraft.