Leakage detection device of aircraft water waste water system and aircraft

Abstract

The utility model provides a leakage detection device of an aircraft waste water system and an aircraft, and relates to the technical field of aviation equipment, the device comprises a sensor assembly comprising a pressure sensor and a water level sensor, and the pressure sensor is arranged on a water supply pipeline and used for monitoring pressure fluctuation in the water supply pipeline; the water level sensor is arranged in the water tank and used for monitoring water level rise and fall in the water tank; the emergency cut-off valve is arranged on the water supply pipeline and used for executing water supply cut-off operation when leakage is detected by the system; the controller is electrically connected with the pressure sensor, the water level sensor and the emergency cut-off valve and used for receiving and processing pressure signals from the pressure sensor and water level signals from the water level sensor and controlling opening or closing of the emergency cut-off valve according to the pressure signals and the water level signals. Leakage in the aircraft waste water system can be detected in time, measures are taken rapidly to cut off water supply, and therefore the leakage risk is effectively reduced, and safe operation of the system is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of aviation equipment technology, and in particular to a leakage detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system and an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] In the modern aviation industry, the water and wastewater system of civil aircraft is a key component to ensure passenger comfort and sanitary conditions. The system uses a complex network of pipes and a pressurized water supply method to provide the necessary drinking water and sanitary water for the kitchen, bathroom and toilet on the aircraft. However, this system faces technical challenges, the main problem being the lack of an effective leak detection mechanism. Due to the internal pressure of the system, once a leak occurs, it may quickly lead to a large amount of drinking water loss, which may in turn damage the aircraft's electrical equipment, causing economic losses and even safety risks. In addition, the flexible joints and threaded joints in the system may leak due to connection problems or breakage. This risk has been manifested many times in actual operations and urgently needs to be solved through technological innovation and improvement. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present application provides a leakage detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system and an aircraft, aiming to solve the problem of leakage risk in aircraft water and wastewater systems in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a leakage detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system, wherein the aircraft water and wastewater system comprises a water tank, a drainage pipeline and a water supply pipeline, wherein the water supply pipeline is used to transport drinking water in the water tank to various water use points, and the device comprises:

[0005] The sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor and a water level sensor. The pressure sensor is arranged on the water supply pipeline to monitor the pressure fluctuation in the water supply pipeline. The water level sensor is built into the water tank to monitor the rise and fall of the water level in the water tank.

[0006] An emergency shutoff valve, arranged on the water supply pipeline, for cutting off the water supply when a leak is detected in the system;

[0007] The controller is electrically connected to the pressure sensor, the water level sensor and the emergency shut-off valve, respectively, and is used to receive and process the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and the water level signal from the water level sensor, and control the opening or closing of the emergency shut-off valve according to the pressure signal and the water level signal.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the controller is also electrically connected to a service status monitoring unit of the aircraft.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the controller includes an emergency shut-off valve control circuit, which controls the opening or closing of the emergency shut-off valve according to an output signal of the controller.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the device further comprises an alarm signal generator, which is used to generate an alarm signal when a leak exists in the system and transmit the alarm signal to a cabin crew panel.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the device further includes a memory, and the memory is used to store a preset pressure change rate threshold, a preset time interval threshold, and historical data.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the device further comprises a pressurized air source, which is connected to the water tank via a pipeline and is used to push the drinking water from the water tank to each usage point.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, the pressure sensor is installed near the water supply outlet end of the water tank.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the emergency shut-off valve is located between the water supply outlet of the water tank and the pressure sensor.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the pressure sensor is fixed to the water supply pipeline by means of a threaded connection or a flange connection.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the emergency shut-off valve is fixed to the water supply pipeline by means of a quick connector or a threaded connection.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application also provides an aircraft, comprising a leakage detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system as described in any one of the above items.

[0018] The present application provides a leak detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system and an aircraft. By installing a pressure sensor on the water supply pipeline, the device can monitor the pressure fluctuations in the water supply pipeline in real time. Any abnormal pressure drop may indicate that there is a leak in the system, because the leak will cause a pressure drop; and by using a water level sensor to monitor the rise and fall of the water level in the water tank, if the system leaks, the water level will drop at an abnormal rate, and the water level sensor can capture this change. Once the controller confirms that there is a leak in the system by analyzing the signals from the pressure sensor and the water level sensor, the emergency shut-off valve will quickly cut off the water supply to prevent the leak from expanding. The controller can automatically control the opening or closing of the emergency shut-off valve to respond to the leak based on the received pressure signal and water level signal.

[0019] Therefore, the present application can detect leaks in the aircraft water and wastewater system in a timely manner and take prompt measures to cut off the water supply, thereby effectively reducing the risk of leakage and ensuring the safe operation of the system. At the same time, the leak detection and response mechanism improves the reliability and safety of the system and reduces potential maintenance costs and safety risks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a leakage detection device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a controller provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the following will integrate the drawings in this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0025] In order to solve the problem of leakage risk in aircraft water and wastewater systems in the prior art, the present application provides a leakage detection device and aircraft for aircraft water and wastewater systems, which can be applied to the water and wastewater systems inside aircraft. Through sensor technology and detection technology, it can realize real-time monitoring of water supply pipeline pressure and water tank water level. The pressure sensor and water level sensor in the device work together to capture pressure fluctuations and water level changes to detect potential leakage in a timely manner. Once an abnormality is detected, the controller will quickly analyze the signal and control the emergency shut-off valve to cut off the water supply, effectively curbing the spread of leakage and ensuring the safety and stability of the internal environment of the aircraft. This application not only improves the emergency response capability of the system, but also optimizes the maintenance process, reduces operational risks, and provides a solid guarantee for the reliable operation of aircraft.

[0026] The following describes a leakage detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system and an aircraft with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a leakage detection device provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the controller provided in the embodiment of the present application. A leakage detection device 10 for an aircraft water and wastewater system can be applied to an aircraft water and wastewater system 1, the aircraft water and wastewater system comprising a water tank 11, a drainage pipeline / water supply pipeline 12 and a water supply pipeline 13, wherein the water supply pipeline 13 is used to transport the drinking water in the water tank 11 to various water use points 15. The leakage detection device 10 comprises a pressurized air source 14, which is connected to the water tank 11 through a pipeline, and is used to push the drinking water from the water tank 11 to the various water use points 15. The leakage detection device 10 also comprises a sensor assembly 101, an emergency shut-off valve 102 and a controller 103.

[0028] The working process of the leakage detection device 10 of the aircraft water and wastewater system is as follows: the pressurized air source 14 provides pressure to make the drinking water in the water tank 11 flow to various water use points through the water supply pipeline 13. The sensor component 101 monitors the status of the water supply pipeline 13 in real time and transmits the data to the controller 103. The controller 103 analyzes the sensor data to detect whether there is a leak. If the controller 103 detects a leak, it will send a signal to the emergency shut-off valve 102 to close it, cut off the supply of drinking water, and prevent the leakage from further expanding. At the same time, the controller 103 will trigger the alarm system to notify the crew that there is a leak in the system and that it needs to be inspected and repaired.

[0029] Exemplarily, the sensor assembly 101 includes a pressure sensor 1011 and a water level sensor 1012. The pressure sensor 1011 is installed on the water supply pipeline 13 and close to the water supply outlet 16 of the water tank 11. The pressure sensor 1011 is used to monitor the pressure fluctuation in the water supply pipeline 13. The water level sensor 1012 is built into the water tank 11 and is used to monitor the rise and fall of the water level in the water tank 11.

[0030] Specifically, the pressure sensor 1011 can be fixed on the water supply pipeline 13 by threaded connection, flange connection or other methods to ensure its sealing and stability with the water supply pipeline 13. The installation position is close to the water supply outlet 16 of the water tank 11, so as to monitor the pressure change after the water flows out of the water tank. The pressure sensor 1011 includes a sensing element inside. When the water flows through, the pressure acts on the sensing element, causing the sensing element to produce a small displacement or deformation. This displacement or deformation will be converted into an electrical signal by the electronic components inside the sensor, and then transmitted to the controller 103 through the signal line 19.

[0031] Specifically, the water level sensor 1012 can be fixed on the inner wall of the water tank 11 by bolts, glue or direct integration. The position and installation angle of the water level sensor 1012 need to ensure that the water level changes inside the water tank 11 can be accurately reflected. The water level sensor 1012 can adopt different technologies such as float type, capacitive type, ultrasonic or pressure type. For example, the float type sensor detects the water level change by the up and down floating of the float, while the capacitive sensor detects the water level by the change of capacitance value caused by the water level change. The water level sensor 1012 converts the water level information into an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller 103 through the signal line 19.

[0032] Exemplarily, the emergency shutoff valve 102 is installed on the water supply pipeline 13 and is located between the water supply outlet 16 and the pressure sensor 1011, and performs a water supply cut-off operation when a leak is detected in the system.

[0033] Specifically, the emergency shut-off valve 102 is fixed to the water supply pipeline 13 by means of quick connectors or threaded connections, ensuring that the water supply can be quickly cut off when the system detects a leak, preventing the leaked water from continuing to flow into the aircraft's water system.

[0034] Exemplarily, the controller 103 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 1011, the water level sensor 1012, and the emergency shutoff valve 102. The controller 103 is used to receive and process the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 1011 and the water level signal from the water level sensor 1012, and control the opening or closing of the emergency shutoff valve 102 according to the pressure signal and the water level signal.

[0035] Specifically, the controller 103 can be electrically connected to the pressure sensor 1011, the water level sensor 1012 and the emergency shut-off valve 102 through the signal line 19 respectively. The pressure signal reflects the pressure fluctuation in the water supply pipeline 13, and the water level signal reflects the water level change in the water tank 11. The controller 103 analyzes and compares the received pressure signal and water level signal. If an abnormal pressure drop or a rapid drop in the water level is detected, this indicates that there is a leak in the system. When the controller 103 detects that there is a leak in the system, it will send a signal to the emergency shut-off valve 102 to close it, thereby cutting off the water flow in the water supply pipeline 13 and preventing the leakage from further expanding. If the system returns to normal, the controller 103 can also control the emergency shut-off valve 102 to reopen and resume water supply.

[0036] In some embodiments, the controller 103 includes an emergency shutoff valve control circuit, and the emergency shutoff valve control circuit controls the opening or closing of the emergency shutoff valve 102 according to an output signal of the controller 103 .

[0037] That is, the emergency shutoff valve control circuit controls the opening or closing of the emergency shutoff valve 102 according to the output signal of the controller 103, which indicates that the emergency shutoff valve 102 is an electrically controlled emergency shutoff valve. This type of valve is equipped with an electric actuator or a solenoid valve, and can perform mechanical actions, i.e., open or close the valve, in response to the electrical signal output by the controller 103.

[0038] Therefore, the controller 103 achieves real-time monitoring and rapid response to leakage in the aircraft water wastewater system by receiving and processing the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 1011 and the water level signal from the water level sensor 1012, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the system.

[0039] In some embodiments, the controller 103 further includes a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit is used to receive the pressure signal from the pressure sensor 1011, and amplify, filter and perform analog-to-digital conversion on the pressure signal to output a digital signal.

[0040] Specifically, the signal processing circuit first receives an analog signal from the pressure sensor 1011. The analog signal represents the pressure change in the water supply pipeline 13. Since the pressure signal output by the pressure sensor 1011 may be very weak, the signal processing circuit will amplify the pressure signal. Filtering is to remove noise and interference in the pressure signal to ensure the purity of the signal. Filtering can be achieved by low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering or other types of filters. Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) is the process of converting an analog signal into a digital signal. In this way, the signal can be processed by the controller.

[0041] In some embodiments, the controller 103 is also electrically connected to the aircraft's operational status monitoring unit 17 to detect whether there is a leak in the system in conjunction with the operational status. In the aviation field, operational status refers to the current operating state of the aircraft, which reflects whether the aircraft is ready to perform flight missions and whether its systems are working properly.

[0042] Specifically, the controller 103 calculates the pressure change rate based on the received pressure signal, and compares it with a preset pressure change rate threshold to detect whether the system is in a normal water supply mode based on the comparison result; and calculates the time interval for the pressure change rate to drop from greater than 0 to equal to 0, and compares it with a preset time interval threshold to detect whether the system is in a normal working state based on the comparison result.

[0043] For example, assuming that the pressure signal value received by the controller 103 is P, the calculated pressure change rate is dP / dT, and the preset pressure change rate threshold is ξ. If the comparison result is 0≤dP / dT≤ξ, the detection system is in normal water supply mode. If the comparison result is dP / dT>ξ, then calculate the time interval Δt for the pressure change rate to drop from dP / dT>0 to dP / dT=0. Assume that the preset time interval threshold is κ. If the comparison result is Δt≤κ, the detection system is in normal working condition. If the comparison result is Δt>κ, then detect whether the system is in service state to detect whether there is a leak in the system. If the system is in service state, then the detection system has a leak; otherwise, the detection system does not have a leak.

[0044] That is to say, the leakage detection device 10 determines whether there is leakage in the system by monitoring the pressure change rate and the time interval, and makes a final judgment based on the state of the system (whether it is in service). If the system is not in service, then even if Δt>κ, the leakage cannot be directly detected, and further inspection is required.

[0045] In some embodiments, the leakage detection device 10 further includes a memory 104, and the memory 104 is used to store a preset pressure change rate threshold ξ, a preset time interval threshold κ, and historical data.

[0046] In some embodiments, the leakage detection device 10 further includes an alarm signal generator 105. When the controller 103 determines that there is a leakage in the system, the alarm signal generator 105 generates an alarm signal and transmits it to the cabin crew panel 18 via a signal line 19 to display the leakage information.

[0047] Specifically, when the leakage detection device 10 detects a leak, it will automatically close the emergency shut-off valve 102 to cut off the water supply, and send an alarm through the cabin crew panel 18 to remind the crew that there is a system failure and immediate maintenance is required, thereby ensuring the safety and timely repair of the system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the present application also provides an aircraft, comprising the leakage detection device for the aircraft water and wastewater system as described above.

[0049] Specifically, the leakage detection device of the aircraft water and wastewater system is applied on the aircraft, and the sensor assembly (including pressure sensor and water level sensor) can be installed in the water supply pipeline and water tank of the aircraft to monitor the pressure fluctuation in the water supply pipeline and the rise and fall of the water level in the water tank in real time. When abnormal pressure fluctuations or water level changes are detected, the controller will receive and process these signals, and control the emergency shut-off valve to cut off the water supply according to the preset logic, thereby preventing the expansion of the leakage accident and ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft. The application of this device helps to detect and respond to leakage in a timely manner, ensuring the normal operation of the aircraft water and wastewater system and the safety of passengers.

[0050] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A leakage detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system, characterized in that: The aircraft water and wastewater system includes a water tank, a drainage pipeline and a water supply pipeline, wherein the water supply pipeline is used to transport the drinking water in the water tank to various water use points, and the device includes: The sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor and a water level sensor. The pressure sensor is arranged on the water supply pipeline to monitor the pressure fluctuation in the water supply pipeline. The water level sensor is built into the water tank to monitor the rise and fall of the water level in the water tank. An emergency shutoff valve, arranged on the water supply pipeline, for cutting off the water supply when a leak is detected in the system; The controller is electrically connected to the pressure sensor, the water level sensor and the emergency shut-off valve, respectively, and is used to receive and process the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and the water level signal from the water level sensor, and control the opening or closing of the emergency shut-off valve according to the pressure signal and the water level signal.

2. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is also electrically connected to a service status monitoring unit of the aircraft.

3. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller comprises an emergency shut-off valve control circuit, which controls the opening or closing of the emergency shut-off valve according to an output signal of the controller.

4. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes an alarm signal generator, which is used to generate an alarm signal when there is a leak in the system and transmit it to the cabin crew panel.

5. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a memory, which is used to store a preset pressure change rate threshold, a preset time interval threshold and historical data.

6. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a pressurized air source, which is connected to the water tank through a pipeline and is used to push the drinking water from the water tank to each use point.

7. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is installed near the water supply outlet end of the water tank.

8. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The emergency shut-off valve is located between the water supply outlet end of the water tank and the pressure sensor.

9. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is fixed on the water supply pipeline by threaded connection or flange connection.

10. The leakage detection device for aircraft water and wastewater system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The emergency shut-off valve is fixed on the water supply pipeline by means of a quick connector or a threaded connection.

11. An aircraft, characterized in that: The aircraft comprises a leakage detection device for an aircraft water and wastewater system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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