Aircraft Support Member Shielding Against Engine Fluid Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flammable fluids emitted from aircraft engines can migrate along support members and reach ignition sources such as brakes or wingtip lights, posing a risk of fire.
Innovation Solution
A deflector shield is mounted on the exterior of the aircraft support members, extending radially outward and aligned with the airflow to divert fluids away from potential ignition sources into the airstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If support members are positioned aft of engines to support wings, then structural support function is achieved, but fluid migration path to ignition sources is created
Solution Approach 1:
A deflector shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the support member and potential ignition sources. The shield intercepts fluid migrating along the support member and redirects it away from ignition sources such as brakes and wingtip lights, thereby breaking the harmful fluid migration path while preserving the structural support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector shield extracts or removes the fluid from the support member surface by intercepting it before the fluid can reach ignition sources. This separates the fluid migration issue from the structural support function, allowing the support member to maintain its structural role while the shield handles fluid redirection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If deflector shield extends radially outward from support member, then fluid migration is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector shield is designed as a segmented or modular component that can be attached to the support member in discrete sections. This segmentation allows the complex fluid prevention function to be achieved through simpler, manageable components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector shield utilizes the radial dimension extending outward from the support member to create an effective fluid barrier. By positioning the shield in the radial direction rather than attempting to modify the support member's longitudinal structure, the solution achieves fluid prevention through a different spatial dimension, reducing structural complexity.
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
Prevents fluid migration along support members, ensuring safe dispersion of fluids into the airflow and reducing the risk of ignition.
Implementation Method 1
The shape and orientation of the support members can cause the fluid to migrate along the support members and eventually reach an ignition source... cause the fluid to run off the aircraft and enter the airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A device to control movement of fluid that is emitted from an aircraft engine that is mounted to a wing of an aircraft. The device includes a support member positioned on an exterior of the aircraft and having an elongated shape with a first end connected to the wing and a second end connected to the fuselage. The support member has a first sectional size. A deflector shield is mounted to the support member and positioned on the exterior of the aircraft. The deflector shield has a larger sectional size than the support member. The deflector shield has an outer edge that extends around the support member and is positioned radially outward from the support member.