Ozone Converter With Replaceable Core And Internal Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ozone converters in aircraft environmental control systems are expensive and require replacement of the entire unit when the ozone-converting core needs to be replaced, as the housing may not withstand multiple core replacements due to welding limitations.
Innovation Solution
An ozone converter with an internal bypass that allows air to bypass the ozone-converting core without an external bypass, featuring a removable core and a V-band coupling system that eliminates the need for welding, allowing for easy core replacement and potentially saving space by eliminating the need for a separate bypass line and diverter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the ozone converter core is made replaceable with a removable coupling system, then the ease of repair and cost-effectiveness improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like V-band coupling and internal bypass mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone converter is divided into separable components: a housing and a removable core assembly. The core assembly can be detached using a V-band coupling system that allows tool-free removal and reinstallation, enabling easy replacement of the expensive core without replacing the entire converter unit.
Solution Approach 2:
An internal bypass passage acts as an intermediary pathway that allows air to flow around the core when needed. This internal bypass eliminates the need for external bypass lines and diverters, reducing overall system complexity while still providing bypass functionality.
2Device complexity
If an internal bypass is integrated within the ozone converter housing, then the device complexity and space requirements decrease by eliminating external bypass components, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass passage is merged into the housing structure itself rather than being a separate external component. The housing is designed with an integrated bypass channel that connects the inlet to the outlet, eliminating the need for external bypass lines, diverters, and associated mounting hardware.
3Reliability
If the housing is designed to withstand multiple core replacements, then the durability and reliability improve, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is segmented into a reusable housing and a replaceable core assembly. The housing is designed once to accommodate multiple core replacements, while the core itself becomes a disposable or periodically replaceable component. This segmentation allows the housing to be built with sufficient durability without excessive cost, as it only needs to withstand a reasonable number of couplings.
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
Enables cost-effective and space-efficient ozone conversion by allowing for easy core replacement and integration within the ozone converter, reducing the need for external bypass components and potentially extending the life of the ozone converter.
Implementation Method 1
an ozone-converting core (core) that includes a catalyst which causes the ozone to decompose to oxygen
Data Source
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AI summary
An ozone converter (110; 410) includes an inlet housing (156) having an inlet (150; 206) at a first end and an inlet housing flange (164) at a second end and an outlet housing (158) having outlet housing flange (166) at a first end and an outlet (152; 208) at a second end. The ozone converter (110; 410) also includes a removable coupling (160) holding the inlet housing (156) and the outlet housing (158) in a fixed relationship to one another and a core (162; 212) disposed at least partially within one of the inlet housing flange (164) and outlet housing flange (166). The core (162; 212) includes a core flange (168) disposed at least partially between the inlet housing flange (164) and outlet housing flange (166) such that core (162; 212) is held in a fixed position relative to one or both of the inlet and outlet housings (156; 158).