Noncombustible gas distribution methods and systems on aircraft
US11091273B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A noncombustible gas distribution method includes distributing noncombustible gas to a center wing tank throughout a continuous, first flight period and, as a result, reducing flammability exposure time during the first flight period or during a subsequent flight period. The method includes not distributing noncombustible gas to left and right main wing tanks while the noncombustible gas is distributed to the center wing tank throughout the first flight period and while the left and right main wing tanks are non-flammable. A noncombustible gas distribution system includes a noncombustible gas source and distribution tubing from the gas source to left and right main wing tanks and a center wing tank. A distribution mechanism yields a greater proportion of gas flow per tank unit volume distributed to an outboard section of the left and right main wing tanks compared to an inboard section during a climb phase of the aircraft's flight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.