Modular Power System Failure Isolation via Intumescent Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modular avionics power systems, failure propagation occurs due to shared air circulation, where a failing module can expel heated air and ejecta, potentially damaging adjacent modules, leading to cascading failures and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular power system design where each module is detachable and fluidly connected through passages with thermally activated elements, such as intumescent materials, that remain unexpanded in normal operation but rapidly expand to block airflow when a module fails, isolating the failed module from others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If modules share air circulation for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but failure propagation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air circulation system into separate isolated loops for each module using detachable shrouds. Each module has its own dedicated airflow path that does not communicate with adjacent modules, preventing failure propagation while maintaining cooling efficiency through individualized airflow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermally responsive elements as intermediaries in the airflow path. These elements normally allow airflow but automatically close off the passage when exposed to excessive heat or smoke from a failing module, acting as a mediator that maintains cooling during normal operation while blocking failure propagation during anomalies.
2Area of stationary object
If modules are interconnected for compact design, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modular power system into independently detachable modules with separate shrouds. Each module can be individually removed and replaced without affecting adjacent modules, simplifying maintenance while maintaining compact arrangement. The detachable shrouds enable quick module extraction and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable shrouds that can transition between connected and detached states. During normal operation, shrouds are connected for compact integration. During maintenance, shrouds can be quickly detached to access and replace modules, providing dynamic adaptability between operational and maintenance configurations.
3Temperature
If air flows freely between modules, then thermal management is improved, but harmful factor propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful heated air and ejecta from the shared airflow system by providing each module with its own dedicated exhaust path through the detachable shroud. This prevents contaminated air from one module from being recirculated to other modules, while still maintaining effective thermal management through individualized airflow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally responsive element acts as an intermediary that selectively blocks the airflow passage when exposed to harmful conditions such as excessive heat or smoke. During normal operation, it allows free airflow for thermal management. When failure occurs, it automatically closes to prevent propagation of heated air and ejecta to adjacent modules.
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
Prevents failure propagation by isolating the failed module, allowing for independent replacement and reducing repair time and costs, while ensuring the system's integrity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the thermally activated element is activated and expanded to block the passage between the failed module and the other modules
Implementation Method 2
thermally activated elements, such as intumescent materials, that remain unexpanded in normal operation but rapidly expand to block airflow when a module fails
Data Source
AI summary
A modular power system includes a plurality of electronic modules, the plurality of modules is arranged in a manner that each of the modules is detachable from the others, and adjacent modules are in fluid communication with each other through a passage, and at least one thermally activated element is disposed within each said passage. In normal operation, the thermally activated element is in an unexpanded state, and fluid communication between the plurality of modules is allowable through a space between the thermally activated element and the passage, and in a failure event when at least one of the modules fails, the thermally activated element is activated and expanded to block the passage between the failed module and the other modules. A method of mitigating failure propagation between a plurality of modules in the modular power system is also described.