Microelectronic Cleaning Module for Aircraft Wing Contaminant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing kerosene consumption in aircraft by cleaning wing surfaces are time-consuming and expensive due to the need for manual removal of contaminants, which increase frictional resistance.
Innovation Solution
A microelectronic module with a voltage converter and actuator integrated on a thin-film substrate generates an ionic current, electrical plasma, or electrostatic field to remove contaminants, reducing flow resistance and kerosene consumption by conforming to the surface for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from aircraft surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but time consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated electrostatic cleaning system. The device uses electrostatic fields generated by charged elements to attract and remove contaminants from aircraft surfaces without direct mechanical contact, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device operates autonomously using electrostatic principles. The charged elements automatically generate electric fields that attract contaminants, and the system self-regulates through the physical laws of electrostatics without requiring continuous human intervention, thus reducing time consumption and operational overhead.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from aircraft surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive manual cleaning operations with an automated electrostatic system. The device uses electric fields to remove contaminants, eliminating the need for human labor, cleaning agents, and associated equipment, thereby significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates autonomously using electrostatic principles, requiring minimal human intervention. The self-regulating nature of electrostatic fields reduces the need for expensive operational oversight and maintenance, making the system cost-effective compared to manual cleaning methods.
3Reliability
If contaminants are present on aircraft surfaces, then aerodynamic performance is maintained, but flow resistance increases due to turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cleaning action by continuously or periodically removing contaminants before they can significantly degrade aerodynamic performance. The electrostatic cleaning system proactively maintains surface cleanliness, preventing the accumulation of contaminants that would trigger turbulent flow and increase drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable charged elements in the cleaning device. These elements can be quickly exchanged when depleted, ensuring continuous operation of the cleaning system without requiring complex maintenance, thereby maintaining aerodynamic performance with minimal disruption.
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 module effectively reduces kerosene consumption by integrating small-scale components on a flexible substrate, allowing for self-sufficient operation and flexible mounting on aircraft surfaces, thereby improving aerodynamics and reducing turbulence-induced resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage converter comprises a piezoelectric transformer
Implementation Method 2
at least one generator for generating an ionic current, an electrical plasma, harmonic components and/or an electrostatic field from the second voltage
Implementation Method 3
at least one generator for generating an ionic current, an electrical plasma, harmonic components and/or an electrostatic field from the second voltage
Implementation Method 4
at least one generator for generating an ionic current, an electrical plasma, harmonic components and/or an electrostatic field from the second voltage
Implementation Method 5
At least most of at least one object adhering to the surface is removed by means of the actuator
Implementation Method 6
At least most of at least one object adhering to the surface is removed by means of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A microelectronic module for cleaning a surface is described. The microelectronic module comprises at least one voltage converter for converting a provided first voltage into a higher, lower, or identical second voltage. The module also comprises at least one actuator. The actuator comprises at least one generator for generating an ionic current, an electrical plasma, harmonic components and/or an electrostatic field from the second voltage which is provided by the voltage converter. At least the voltage converter and the actuator are disposed on a thin-film, planar substrate. At least most of at least one object adhering to the surface is removed by the actuator.