Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft structure – Ice prevention
Patent
1998-06-15
2000-02-22
Poon, Peter M.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft structure
Ice prevention
244134D, 219770, B64D 1500
Patent
active
060270756
ABSTRACT:
The invention includes system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery, coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interface between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The object is conductive or is doped as a semiconductor so that the DC bias applies a voltage to the interface which modifies the ice adhesion strength selectively as compared to the ice adhesion strength with substantially zero bias voltage at the interface. The strength can be increased or decreased relative to its static state (i.e., the state without applied voltage). In this manner, ice such as ice on an aircraft wing can be removed with less work. The system preferably includes an electrically insulating material disposed between the object and the electrode; the insulating material is substantially conformal to the object and the electrode. In most applications, the electrode includes a grid electrode shaped to conform to a surface of the object and each point of the grid electrode is in electrical contact with the source. Accordingly, a grid insulator is generally disposed between the object and the grid electrode. The invention has high applicability to objects such as an aircraft wing, an automobile windshield, a bottom of a ski, a heel or sole or a boot or shoe, and an outer material of a power line. The invention also includes a ferroelectric, ferromagnetic or semiconductor coating applied to power lines to auto-regulate the temperature of the lines to just above the melting point.
REFERENCES:
Generation of electric fields by ice and snow friction, by Victor F. Petrenko and Samuel C. Colbeck, (May 1, 1995), pp. 4518-4521.
The effect of static electric fields on ice friction, by Victor F. Petrenko (Jul. 15, 1994), pp. 1216-1219.
AIA 94-0714, "Interface Influences Upon Ice Adhesion to Airfoil Materials", by A. Reich, BF Goodrich Aerospace/De-icing systems, Brecksville/Uniontown, OH (32.sup.nd Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit Jan. 10-13, 1994), pp. 1-8.
"Icing Wind Tunnel", Meeting the Challenges of Ice Testing in a World-Class Facility--BF Goodrich Aerospace Ice Protection Systems, 4 pages.
"New Goodrich Wind Tunnel Tests Advanced Aircraft De-Icing Systems", by Edward H. Phillips, Uniontown, Ohio, Aviation Week Magazine, Oct. 3, 1988, 3 pages.
"The Evolution of Ice Protection Creates a Revolution in Ice Detection", BFGoodrich Aerospace Ice Protection Systems, 2 pages.
Dinh Tien
Poon Peter M.
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Vock Curtis A.
LandOfFree
Systems and methods for modifying ice adhesion strength does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Systems and methods for modifying ice adhesion strength, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Systems and methods for modifying ice adhesion strength will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-514326