Acoustic Air Data System Reduces Pneumatic Coupling Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft air data systems face challenges in achieving accurate air data parameter determination during sideslip conditions due to the limitations of traditional pneumatic probes, which require complex and costly pneumatic couplings, and lack redundancy to prevent common mode errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system comprising two dual-channel multi-function probes (MFPs) and an acoustic sensor system, providing three independent sets of air data parameter outputs, where the acoustic sensors emit and receive acoustic signals to determine parameters like angle-of-attack, angle-of-sideslip, and static air temperature, reducing the need for pneumatic couplings and enhancing redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pneumatic probes are used for air data measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases due to required pneumatic couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic coupling system with an acoustic measurement system. Acoustic sensors detect air data parameters through sound wave propagation in the airflow, eliminating the need for physical pneumatic connections between probes and the aircraft interior, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer air data information from the external airflow to internal sensors. The acoustic sensors modulate sound waves according to local flow parameters, allowing indirect measurement without direct pneumatic coupling, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple independent air data sources are used to prevent common mode errors, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic sensor system multi-functional by enabling it to provide multiple independent air data measurements (angle of attack, angle of sideslip, static air temperature) through a single unified acoustic measurement platform. This universal approach provides redundancy and independence without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the acoustic field can be analyzed for multiple parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional pneumatic pressure measurement to three-dimensional acoustic field analysis. By analyzing sound wave propagation in multiple spatial dimensions and directions, the system derives multiple independent air data parameters from a single acoustic sensor array, achieving redundancy without adding multiple separate probe systems
3Reliability
If pneumatic couplings are used to connect probes, then pressure signal transmission is achieved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic coupling infrastructure with acoustic signal transmission through the airflow medium. This eliminates complex pneumatic connections that require maintenance, sealing, and alignment, while providing robust signal transmission that is inherently resistant to environmental factors like icing and contamination
4Reliability
If pneumatic couplings are used between probes, then pressure information exchange is enabled, but susceptibility to icing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical pneumatic couplings that extend into the airflow with acoustic measurement that occurs through the airflow itself. The acoustic sensors detect pressure variations and flow parameters remotely without requiring physical connections exposed to external conditions, thereby eliminating the icing susceptibility inherent in traditional pneumatic probe systems while maintaining signal accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the accuracy and reliability of air data parameters by providing redundant, dissimilar measurements, reducing the impact of common-mode failures and simplifying system design, while also reducing maintenance costs and susceptibility to icing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic sensors positioned on the aircraft exterior and configured to emit and receive acoustic signals into and from an airflow about the aircraft exterior
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An air data system for an aircraft (30) includes a multi-function probe (MFP) and an acoustic sensor system. The MFP is positioned to sense pressure of an airflow about an exterior of the aircraft (30). The pressure is used to generate first air data parameters for the aircraft (30). The acoustic sensor system is configured to emit acoustic signals about the exterior of the aircraft (30) and sense the acoustic signals as sensed data, which is used to generate second air data parameters.