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Method and apparatus for inhibiting formation of and/or removing ice from aircraft components

  • US 9,821,915 B2
  • Filed: 03/21/2016
  • Issued: 11/21/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for an aircraft comprising:

  • a component of the aircraft having an inner facing surface and an outer facing surface;

    a plurality of actuators each positioned proximate to and coupled to the inner facing surface, the plurality of actuators coupled at locations of the inner facing surface directly opposing corresponding locations of the outer facing surface, wherein each of the plurality of actuators comprises a solid-state electric actuator; and

    a control unit coupled to the plurality of actuators, the control unit configured to drive one or more of the plurality of actuators at one or more frequencies;

    wherein the plurality of actuators are each configured to introduce a displacement of the outer facing surface in three dimensions to perform one or both of inhibiting a formation of ice on at least the corresponding locations of the outer facing surface and breaking up existing ice formations on at least the corresponding locations of the outer facing surface;

    wherein the plurality of actuators are flexible and substantially conform to a curvature of the locations of the inner facing surface.

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