Electronic Pulse Injection System for Icing Wind Tunnel Droplet Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current icing wind tunnel systems require multiple nozzle sizes to achieve various water droplet sizes and liquid water content levels, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for multiple nozzle configurations and extensive calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes electronic pulse injection technology to control water droplet size through water pressure adjustments and liquid water content through injector duty cycle configurations, allowing for the generation of water droplets of different sizes within an icing wind tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle sizes are used to achieve various water droplet sizes and liquid water content levels, then the ability to generate different droplet sizes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling water pressure and injector duty cycle to vary droplet size and liquid water content. By adjusting the pressure of water supplied to the injector and modifying the duty cycle (ratio of injection time to total cycle time), the system can generate a range of droplet sizes from a single nozzle configuration, eliminating the need for multiple nozzles with different sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle sizes are used to achieve various water droplet sizes, then the ability to generate different droplet sizes is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single injector that can perform multiple functions - generating various droplet sizes and liquid water content levels through electronic control parameters. This multi-functional injector replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized nozzles, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to produce different droplet characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle configurations are used, then the ability to generate different droplet sizes is improved, but the calibration process becomes more extensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using electronically controllable parameters (pressure and duty cycle) that can be rapidly adjusted without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic control system allows for quick changes in droplet size and liquid water content generation, eliminating the extensive calibration time required when switching between multiple fixed nozzle configurations.
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
This approach enables efficient control of water droplet size and liquid water content without the need for multiple nozzle sizes, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining precise control over icing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
electronic pulse injection to control water droplet size through water pressure adjustments
Implementation Method 2
a spray nozzle coupled to the spray bar... disperses the supercooled liquid water in the icing wind tunnel
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for dispersing supercooled liquid water in an icing wind tunnel. The system includes a spray bar; a spray nozzle coupled to the spray bar; a pressure control valve coupled to the spray bar; and a controller coupled to the pressure control valve and the spray nozzle. The controller is configured to receive input identifying a selected liquid water content and a selected water droplet size for dispersing the supercooled liquid water in the icing wind tunnel; configure an injector duty cycle of the spray nozzle to generate the selected liquid water content; and configure the pressure control valve to generate the selected water droplet size, wherein configuring the spray nozzle and the pressure control valve disperses the supercooled liquid water in the icing wind tunnel.