Self-supporting vapor cycle refrigeration system for an aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vapor cycle refrigeration systems for aircraft are heavy, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced payload capacity, as they require separate frames or boxes to support system components.
Innovation Solution
The system is designed to be self-supporting by using the condenser and evaporator air ducts to directly or indirectly support all components, eliminating the need for a separate frame or box, with the air ducts serving as structural elements and mounting bases for other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a separate frame or box is used to support system components, then structural stability is ensured, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air duct structure with the mounting function by integrating mounting protrusions directly into the air duct. This merging of the air duct and frame functions eliminates the need for a separate support structure, reducing system weight while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The air duct is designed to serve multiple functions: it conveys air through the system and simultaneously provides structural support for mounting components via integrated mounting protrusions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate frame structures, directly addressing the weight reduction goal while maintaining support capabilities.
2Device complexity
If separate frame or box structures are used, then component support is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct and support frame functions are merged into a single integrated component with mounting protrusions formed as part of the air duct structure. This reduces device complexity by eliminating separate frame components and simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts that need to be produced and assembled.
3Loss of substance
If traditional frame structures are used, then component mounting is facilitated, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct serves dual purposes as both an air conveyance channel and a mounting structure with integrated protrusions. This eliminates the need for additional frame materials, reducing material consumption while maintaining full mounting capability for all system components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor cycle refrigeration system for an aircraft comprises a compressor, a condenser unit with a condenser radiator, a condenser fan and a condenser air duct configured to direct a stream of air generated by the condenser fan through the condenser radiator, an expansion device, an evaporator unit with an evaporator radiator, an evaporator fan and an evaporator air duct configured to direct a stream of air generated by the evaporator fan through the evaporator radiator, and a piping system connecting the compressor, the condenser radiator, the expansion device and the evaporator radiator in a closed circuit for a refrigerant, wherein each of the compressor, the condenser radiator, the condenser fan, the expansion device, the evaporator radiator, the evaporator fan and the piping system is fully supported directly or indirectly by at least one of the condenser air duct and the evaporator air duct such that the system is self-supporting.