Segmented Aircraft Engine De-icing Tube for Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing devices for aircraft gas-turbine engines face high manufacturing costs and weight issues due to thermal stresses caused by large diameter annular tube elements, leading to component failure and extensive maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The de-icing device is designed with multiple individual tube segments that can move relative to each other like a telescope, using plug-type connectors and sliding gaskets to allow for thermal expansion and contraction without applying forces to the support, enabling a simple and cost-effective support system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large diameter annular tube element is used for de-icing, then the de-icing coverage is improved, but thermal stresses increase due to thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The annular tube element is divided into multiple individual tube segments arranged circumferentially. Each segment can expand and contract independently, preventing the accumulation of thermal stresses that would occur in a continuous large-diameter tube. The segments are connected through plug-type connectors that allow relative movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube segments are designed to be movable relative to one another through plug-type connectors with sliding gaskets. This dynamic connection allows the segments to adjust their positions in response to thermal expansion and contraction, converting static thermal stress into controlled relative movement.
2Reliability
If elaborate support measures are implemented to handle thermal expansion, then thermal stress resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tube element, each individual segment requires simpler support structures compared to supporting a single large-diameter tube. The mounting supports only need to handle smaller segments, reducing the complexity and cost of support structures while maintaining thermal stress resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Plug-type connectors with sliding gaskets serve as intermediaries between tube segments and mounting supports. These connectors absorb and manage thermal expansion forces, allowing simple mounting supports to effectively handle thermal stress without requiring complex design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support structure is used for the tube element, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion causes component failure and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-type connectors enable dynamic adjustment of tube segment positions in response to thermal expansion and contraction. This dynamic capability maintains structural stability while preventing component failure and wear that would result from rigid fixed support during thermal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the physical parameters (position, spacing) of tube segments in response to thermal conditions. The sliding gaskets facilitate controlled parameter changes that accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining overall structural stability and preventing component failure.
4Reliability
If multiple tube segments with plug-type connectors are used, then thermal expansion compensation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube element is segmented into standardized modules that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. The plug-type connectors provide a standardized interface between segments, simplifying the assembly process despite the increased number of components. Each segment can be manufactured separately with consistent tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-type connectors feature a nested structure where one tube segment inserts into another through the connector. This nested arrangement provides a compact, space-efficient design that facilitates assembly while maintaining the ability to accommodate thermal expansion through relative movement.
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 design results in a maintenance-free system with a long service life, resistant to stress cracking and damage, and reduces thermal influences on the support, making it more efficient and durable.
Implementation Method 1
hot air is introduced which escapes through outlet openings of the tube element, thereby heating the wall of the annular lip from the inside
Implementation Method 2
the tube element, in the circumferential direction, includes multiple individual tube segments that can be moved relative to one another like a telescope... compensate for thermal expansions or contractions at the transition points between the individual tube elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a de-icing device of an aircraft gas-turbine engine with an engine cowling enclosing at least one inflow region, with the engine cowling having a double-walled design and including at least one annular tube element extending in the circumferential direction and being provided with outlet openings for passing hot air to an inflow region, in order to de-ice it, with the tube element in the circumferential direction including multiple individual tube segments which can be attached relative to one another.