Truss-Braced Wing Joint Induction Heating for Ice Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice protection methods for cantilevered wings are inefficient and not feasible for truss-braced wings due to the extended length requiring numerous electric heating mats, increased power consumption, disruption of laminar flow, and limitations in ducting systems, with none addressing ice accumulation at structural joints.
Innovation Solution
An ice protection system for truss-braced wings using a magnetic susceptor at the joint coupled with an induction heating coil to generate eddy currents for joule heating, inhibiting ice accumulation without affecting aerodynamics or laminar flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric heating mats are used to protect the entire length of the truss-braced wing, then ice protection coverage is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heating elements only at specific critical locations (joints where struts couple to the wing) rather than along the entire wing span. This localized approach maintains ice protection where it is most needed while dramatically reducing the total power consumption compared to heating the entire wing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The ice protection system is segmented into discrete heating zones at each joint location rather than a continuous heating system along the wing. Each joint can be independently heated, allowing the system to address ice accumulation at critical structural points without the energy cost of heating the entire wing.
2Reliability
If electric heating mats are integrated onto the wing surface, then ice protection is achieved, but laminar flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Heating elements are placed locally at joints beneath the wing surface rather than as surface-integrated mats. This positioning protects the laminar flow over the wing surface while still providing effective ice protection at the critical joint locations where heating is applied.
3Productivity
If the wing span is extended to increase aspect ratio, then lift-induced drag is reduced, but ice accumulation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides targeted ice protection at specific joint locations on the extended wing structure without requiring continuous heating along the entire increased span. This allows the benefits of the extended aspect ratio to be maintained while addressing ice accumulation only at the critical structural joints.
4Reliability
If conventional heating methods are applied to structural joints, then ice protection at joints is achieved, but aerodynamic performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Heating elements are positioned locally at the joints beneath the wing surface, providing ice protection at the structural joint while maintaining the smooth aerodynamic surface of the wing. This separates the ice protection function at the joint from the aerodynamic surface, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
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 inhibits ice accumulation on truss-braced wings, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and reducing weight and power consumption compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The induction heating coil is configured to generate eddy currents inside the magnetic susceptor based on being driven with an alternating current (AC) excitation current
Implementation Method 2
The induction heating coil is configured to generate eddy currents inside the magnetic susceptor
Implementation Method 3
The eddy currents circulate through the magnetic susceptor causing joule heating of the magnetic susceptor to inhibit ice accumulation on the joint
Data Source
AI summary
A ice protection system for a truss-braced wing of an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a wing, a support strut, a joint coupling the support strut to the wing to form a structural truss of the truss-braced wing, a magnetic susceptor disposed on or within the joint, and an induction heating coil disposed on or within the truss-braced wing. The induction heating coil is configured to generate eddy currents inside the magnetic susceptor based on being driven with an alternating current (AC) excitation current. The eddy currents circulate through the magnetic susceptor causing joule heating of the magnetic susceptor to inhibit ice accumulation on the joint.