Rotor Blade Ice Shedding With Sequenced Heating Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-ice systems for rotor blades require continuous power to prevent ice accumulation, which strains the power system of tilt rotor aircraft, and there is a need for a method to uniformly shed ice to prevent damage to the aircraft fuselage.
Innovation Solution
A de-icing system that supplies power to span-wise heating zones of the rotor in a controlled sequence, adjusting based on ice accumulation conditions, to efficiently shed ice without continuous power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to anti-ice parting strips to prevent ice accumulation, then ice accretion is eliminated in the highest collection area, but power system strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by cycling the heating elements through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The heating elements are activated intermittently to shed accumulated ice rather than continuously, allowing the rotor surface to freeze and then melt in controlled periods. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining effective ice protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rotor surface into multiple zones with separate heating elements positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific heating zones based on ice accumulation patterns, optimizing power distribution and reducing total energy consumption while maintaining effective ice shedding across the rotor surface.
2Ease of operation
If ice thickness is increased to facilitate easier shedding, then ice shedding becomes easier, but maximum ice thickness limit is exceeded causing fuselage damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-freezing the rotor surface and pre-positioning heating elements before ice accumulation becomes problematic. The system allows ice to accumulate to an optimal thickness for easy shedding, then activates heating elements to melt and shed the ice in a controlled manner, preventing excessive ice buildup that could damage the fuselage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms to monitor ice accumulation conditions and adjust heating element activation accordingly. Sensors detect ice thickness and accumulation rates, providing feedback to the control system which then adjusts the timing and intensity of heating element operation to maintain ice thickness within optimal ranges for easy shedding without exceeding maximum safe thickness limits.
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 system effectively limits ice thickness and uniformly sheds ice, reducing power consumption and minimizing damage to the aircraft, while allowing for intermittent anti-ice strip operation.
Implementation Method 1
supplying power to activate a plurality of span-wise heating zones associated with a rotor in a shed sequence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
During a de-ice process, heating zones (116) associated with a rotor may be supplied with power for shedding accreted ice from the heating zone. Priority heating zones associated with the leading edge of the rotor are supplied with power to activate the priority heating zones multiple times during the de-ice process. Heating zones associated with a lower surface of the rotor may be activated after the priority heating zones are first activated. A first dwell may be waited, to allow additional ice accretion on the priority zones. The priority heating zones may then be reactivated after the first dwell. Heating zones associated with an upper surface of the rotor may be then be activated. A second dwell may be waited, to allow additional ice accretion on the priority zones. The de-ice process may then repeat.