Wing Leading Edge Anti-Clogging Plasma System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing leading edges with pierced holes for air flow management often become clogged with organic residues, leading to turbulent airflow due to blocked holes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an anti-clogging system in each hole, comprising an electrically conductive electrode and an insulating stem with teeth creating channels, connected to a voltage generator to create plasma for residue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holes are pierced in the leading edge to ensure laminar flow, then air flow quality is improved, but the holes become clogged with organic residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods with a plasma-based system. An electrode generates plasma discharge that chemically decomposes organic residues in the holes, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention while maintaining hole functionality and laminar flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical state of the cleaning process by using plasma (ionized gas) instead of conventional mechanical or chemical methods. The plasma state allows for effective decomposition of organic residues at low temperatures, preventing clogging while preserving the holes for laminar flow
2Reliability
If holes are blocked by organic residues, then hole functionality deteriorates, but turbulent flow is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plasma discharge to chemically break down organic residues blocking the holes, restoring hole functionality and preventing turbulent flow generation through non-mechanical means
3Reliability
If an anti-clogging system with electrode and insulating body is installed in each hole, then hole functionality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the electrode and insulating body components within the existing hole structure. The insulating body fits inside the hole with the electrode positioned centrally, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes additional space requirements while providing effective plasma generation for residue elimination
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating body acts as an intermediary component that supports the electrode and directs the plasma discharge. It mediates between the electrode and the hole walls, ensuring proper electrical isolation while facilitating effective residue decomposition
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
Effectively prevents clogging by using plasma to eliminate organic deposits, ensuring laminar airflow by maintaining hole functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-clogging system which comprises: an electrode produced in an electrically conductive material, a body produced in an electrically insulating material and having a stem which lodges in the hole and which has a central orifice in which the electrode lodges... and a voltage generator connected between the electrode and the skin
Data Source
AI summary
A wing comprising a leading edge forming a caisson delimited by a wall and an electrically conductive skin forming a lower surface and an upper surface and pierced with holes. A pump is provided to suck the air present in the caisson and/or to inject air into the caisson. The wing includes a voltage generator. Each hole is equipped with an anti-clogging system which comprises an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically insulating body having a stem which lodges in the hole and which has a central orifice in which the electrode lodges. The outer face of the stem has at least one tooth, where each tooth protrudes from the outer face of the stem and extends over the height of the stem. The at least one tooth is distributed around the stem so as to create at least one channel.