Wing Controller Heat Dissipation for Anti-Icing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-icing solutions for aircraft wings, such as electrically-heating wire layers, can increase weight, manufacturing costs, and reduce fuel efficiency, and may not provide comprehensive anti-icing coverage.

Innovation Solution

The electric aircraft incorporates controllers inside the leading-edge portion of the wing to generate heat, which is transmitted to the wing skin, utilizing the existing electric motor system to prevent and remove ice without additional apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrically-heating wire layers are provided on both inner side and outer side of a leading-edge portion of a wing, then anti-icing coverage is improved, but weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-icing coverageVSAvoidwing weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to serve dual functions: controlling the electric motor and generating heat for anti-icing. By integrating the heating function into the existing controller, the system eliminates the need for separate heating elements while maintaining reliable anti-icing coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller utilizes its own operational heat generation to prevent icing on the wing. The heat produced during normal controller operation is directed to the leading-edge portion, allowing the system to serve its own anti-icing needs without additional energy consumption or separate heating apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If electrically-heating wire layers are provided on both inner side and outer side of a leading-edge portion of a wing, then anti-icing coverage is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-icing coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to serve dual functions: controlling the electric motor and generating heat for anti-icing. By integrating the heating function into the existing controller, the system eliminates the need for separate heating elements while maintaining reliable anti-icing coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating function is merged with the controller's existing structure. The controller housing and internal components are configured to generate and transmit heat to the wing's leading-edge portion, combining two functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If electrically-heating wire layers are provided on both inner side and outer side of a leading-edge portion of a wing, then anti-icing coverage is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-icing coverageVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller utilizes its own operational heat generation to prevent icing on the wing. The heat produced during normal controller operation is directed to the leading-edge portion, allowing the system to serve its own anti-icing needs without additional energy consumption or separate heating apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively suppresses icing and removes ice from the wing without increasing weight or manufacturing costs, providing reliable anti-icing coverage across the wing surface.

Implementation Method 1

The heat is generated by the controller when the controller controls the electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

cause heat to be transmitted to a skin of the wing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11535385B2Electric aircraft and anti-icing apparatus for electric aircraft

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

An electric aircraft includes a propeller, an electric motor, and a controller. The electric motor is configured to supply power to the propeller. The controller is configured to control the electric motor. The controller is disposed inside a leading-edge portion of a wing to cause heat to be transmitted to a skin of the wing. The heat is generated by the controller when the controller controls the electric motor.