Sequential Propeller Deicing via Movable Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Propeller deicing systems require substantial power, leading to heavy and expensive brushes and a large number of circuits, which increases weight and space requirements, especially when deicing propellers with multiple blades.
Innovation Solution
A propeller assembly with a movable actuator that sequentially couples electrical deicers to a rotating slip ring, reducing the number of brushes and slip rings needed by powering each pair of blades sequentially, thereby minimizing power requirements and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all deicers are powered simultaneously, then all blades are deiced effectively, but power requirements become excessive and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially activating deicers on different blade pairs at different times during rotation. The control system monitors propeller rotation and powers deicers in successive pairs rather than all simultaneously, reducing peak power demands while maintaining overall deicing effectiveness through continuous cyclic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the propeller blades into multiple pairs and assigning each pair to a separate deicing circuit with its own relay control. This segmentation allows independent control of each blade pair's deicing operation, enabling sequential power delivery and reducing the need for a single high-capacity power circuit.
2Reliability
If multiple brushes and slip rings are used to power all deicers, then all blades can be deiced, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical power distribution system into multiple separate circuits, each serving a specific blade pair. Each circuit has its own relay and brush-slip ring connection, allowing the system to use fewer simultaneous connections while maintaining comprehensive deicing coverage through sequential operation of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic activation of different blade pair circuits reduces the number of simultaneous electrical connections required. By cycling through different circuit groups in sequence rather than maintaining all connections active at once, the system reduces the total number of brushes and slip rings needed while preserving complete deicing capability.
3Device complexity
If sequential powering is implemented, then power requirements and system complexity are reduced, but deicing timing precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using relays that are pre-positioned and wired for each blade pair circuit. The relays are mechanically or magnetically actuated in advance of the actual deicing need, allowing rapid circuit switching without complex real-time control calculations. This preliminary setup enables quick sequential activation while maintaining timing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from rotation sensors or position indicators to monitor propeller blade position and trigger relay activation at the appropriate moment in the rotation cycle. This feedback mechanism ensures that sequential deicing occurs at optimal times for each blade pair, maintaining effectiveness while enabling system simplification through automated timing control.
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 simplifies the deicing system, reduces the number of brushes and slip rings, lowering costs and weight, while maintaining efficient deicing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The most common type of deicing system uses resistive heating elements, such as in the form of flexible strips for example, which are disposed along a section of the blade's leading edge closest to the hub assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The application of electrical current to the heaters weakens the bond between accumulated ice and the airfoil surface allowing the ice to the 'thrown off' by the centrifugal forces generated by rotation of the propeller.
Data Source
AI summary
A propeller assembly is provided including a plurality of blades arranged in diametrically opposed pairs. Each of the plurality of blades has an electrical deicer located thereon. The propeller assembly also includes a slip ring, and a stationary brush arranged in contact with the slip ring. The brush is configured to transfer electrical power from a power source to the slip ring. A movable portion of an actuator is configured to sequentially couple the electrical deicers of each pair of blades to the rotating slip ring.