Aircraft Wing Deicing Module Using Flexible Membrane Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current de-icing technologies for aircraft wings, such as bleed air heating, glycol weeping, electric heaters, and electro-repulsive systems, face issues like reduced engine efficiency, increased power consumption, weight addition, maintenance challenges, and aerodynamic drag, particularly limiting their effectiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A deicing module with a flexible casing and movable members driven by a rotary actuator and cable system, which laterally distorts the wing surface to break ice accumulation, reducing the need for thermal energy and eliminating the need for bleed air or inflatable boots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal heating systems (bleed air or electric heaters) are used to prevent ice accumulation, then ice protection is achieved, but engine efficiency is reduced and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal heating systems with a mechanical deicing system. A flexible membrane is periodically distorted by mechanical actuators (such as bellows or inflatable bladders) to fracture and remove ice accumulation. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for continuous thermal energy input, thereby resolving the contradiction between ice protection and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous heating, the patent employs periodic mechanical distortion of the flexible membrane. The membrane is distorted at intervals to shed ice accumulation, then returns to its original position. This periodic action reduces average power consumption while maintaining effective ice protection, directly addressing the energy efficiency issue.
2Reliability
If inflatable rubber boots are used for deicing, then ice shedding is achieved, but aerodynamic drag increases and speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that conforms to the aerodynamic surface of the wing. This thin film approach maintains aerodynamic integrity better than traditional inflatable boots. The membrane is distorted mechanically to shed ice, then returns to a streamlined configuration that minimizes drag, enabling use at higher speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic system where the flexible membrane transitions between a smooth aerodynamic configuration during normal flight and a distorted configuration during ice shedding. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain low drag at high speeds while still providing effective ice removal when needed.
3Reliability
If deicing fluid is pumped and sprayed to protected areas, then ice prevention is achieved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deicing function from complex fluid delivery systems and implements it through a simpler mechanical distortion system. By removing the need for fluid storage tanks, pumps, nozzles, and associated control systems, the invention significantly reduces system complexity while maintaining effective ice prevention through mechanical membrane distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane system is self-contained and self-actuating through mechanical distortion. The membrane itself performs both the protective function and the ice shedding function through its distortion and recovery, eliminating the need for external fluid delivery infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If continuous thermal heating is applied to aerodynamic surfaces, then ice accumulation is controlled, but fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous thermal heating with periodic mechanical distortion of the flexible membrane. Ice accumulation is controlled by distorting the membrane at appropriate intervals to shed ice, rather than continuously heating the surface. This periodic action dramatically reduces energy consumption and improves fuel efficiency while maintaining ice protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical distortion for thermal heating to control ice accumulation. The mechanical system uses stored elastic energy in the flexible membrane and actuation mechanisms, eliminating the need for continuous thermal energy input from the engine, thereby preserving fuel efficiency.
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 method provides a low-power, low-weight solution that maintains aerodynamic integrity, reduces repetitive stress, and improves fuel efficiency by mechanically removing ice without the need for thermal energy, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A deicing module with a flexible casing and movable members driven by a rotary actuator and cable system, which laterally distorts the wing surface to break ice accumulation
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for deicing a surface (66) upon which ice accumulates, on for example an aircraft wing. The apparatus and method for the deicing module include an actuating component, a casing (28), and a movable member (36). The movable member breaks ice that has accumulated on a surface of the wing.