Shape memory alloy de-icing technology
AssigneeInnovative Dynamics, Inc.
InventorsRichard B. Ingram, Joseph J. Gerardi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A new deicing technology is described which utilizes the actuating properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) to debond ice accretion formed on a surface. A thin sheet of SMA material is mounted to the icing prone surface to perform the force and displacement combination that can debond the ice. The SMA sheet is activated to expand or contract causing shearing and peeling of the ice. An SMA actuator portion located aft of the icing area can be used to pull the sheet over a ribbed underlay and grooved bands which generates a strain field that severs the ice's adhesive bond. Two-way shape memory action and natural ice latent heat powering are used in different modes of operation to reduce the power requirements and the structural complexity of the deicing system.
Claims25
A de-icing system comprising:
- a support, at least a portion of which has a ribbed underlay structure;
- a layer of substantially elastic material formed over said support at least a portion of which has of a ribbed underlay structure;
- an actuator affixed at one location thereon to said support and at another location affixed thereon to said layer of substantially elastic material, said actuator when heated to a predetermined temperature substantially contracting so as to stretch said layer of substantially elastic material such that a corresponding portion thereof formed over said support at least a portion of which has a ribbed underlay structure conforms to the shape thereof, thereby shearing off ice accretion forming on said layer of substantially elastic material;
- and
- means for heating said actuator to said predetermined temperature.
A de-icing system comprising:
- a support;
- a substantially smooth elastic layer of shape memory alloy formed over said support;
- an actuator affixed at one location thereon to said support and at another location affixed thereon to said substantially smooth elastic layer of shape memory alloy, said actuator when heated to a predetermine it temperature substantially contracting so as to stretch said substantially smooth elastic layer of shape memory alloy such that a corresponding portion thereof formed over said support conforms to the shape thereof, thereby shearing off ice accretion forming on said substantially smooth elastic layer of shape memory alloy;
- and
- means for heating said actuator to said predetermined temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.