Articulated Aircraft Wingtip Hot-Air De-Icing in Raised Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing systems for aircraft wingtips struggle to effectively de-ice the upper surface when the wingtip is raised, as de-icing fluid may not reach this area and its effectiveness is reduced due to fluid runoff.
Innovation Solution
A de-icing system integrated into the wingtip with a duct and a supply line connected to a hot air source, allowing hot air to be distributed through holes in the lower surface of the wingtip, ensuring de-icing regardless of the wingtip's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wingtip is raised to save space during ground maneuvers, then the aircraft's ground maneuverability is improved, but the de-icing fluid cannot reach the upper surface of the wingtip effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing system is extracted from the conventional spray method and integrated directly into the wingtip structure through embedded ducts and nozzles. This allows the de-icing function to operate independently of the wingtip position, maintaining effectiveness whether the wingtip is lowered or raised during ground maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated de-icing system provides universal functionality that works in all wingtip positions. The system can de-ice both the upper and lower surfaces of the wingtip regardless of whether the wingtip is in the lowered flight position or the raised storage position, making the de-icing capability independent of wing configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the wingtip is raised, then the de-icing fluid runs down the wingtip due to vertical orientation, but this limits the fluid's time on the wingtip and reduces de-icing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing function is extracted from the gravitational spray method and repositioned within the wingtip structure. The ducts and nozzles are strategically placed to apply de-icing fluid directly to the surfaces that need protection, preventing the fluid from simply running down due to gravity and ensuring it remains in contact with the wingtip surfaces long enough to be effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-icing system applies fluid locally to specific areas of the wingtip through strategically positioned nozzles. This ensures that de-icing fluid is delivered precisely where needed on both the upper and lower surfaces, maintaining effective contact time regardless of the wingtip's orientation or position.
3Ease of operation
If de-icing fluid is sprayed over the raised wingtip, then the fluid may not reach the entire surface particularly the upper surface (extrados), but this delays the wingtip's de-icing
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing system is extracted from the external spray method and integrated within the wingtip structure. The ducts are routed to deliver de-icing fluid directly to both the upper and lower surfaces through embedded nozzles, eliminating the delay caused by fluid failing to reach distant surfaces and ensuring complete coverage regardless of wingtip position.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated duct system acts as an intermediary that delivers de-icing fluid directly to all necessary surfaces of the wingtip. This internal delivery mechanism ensures that both the upper and lower surfaces receive adequate de-icing fluid simultaneously, regardless of the wingtip's orientation, eliminating the time loss associated with external spraying methods.
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
Enables effective de-icing of the wingtip in flight or on the ground, including when raised, by ensuring consistent hot air distribution across the wingtip surface.
Implementation Method 1
a supply line fluidly connected to said duct and intended to be fluidly connected to a hot air source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wing (100) comprising a fixed wing (102), a wingtip (104) mounted articulated on the fixed wing (102) between a lowered position and a raised position and a de-icing system (150) comprising a duct (152) circulating inside the wingtip (104), a supply line (154) connected between the duct (152) and a hot air source, wherein said supply line (154) has an intermediate line (154a) which passes from a distal end (102b) of the fixed wing (102) to a proximal end (104a) of the wingtip (104) and control means (156) arranged to regulate the quantity of hot air passing through the supply line (154). With such an arrangement, it is easy to de-ice the wingtip in flight and in a raised position.