Acoustic Probe Clogging Detection via Digital Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure probe monitoring systems face challenges in reliably detecting clogging of drain holes due to the ingress of particles and water, requiring complex algorithms and difficult interactions with operators, and existing solutions are not efficient in maintaining the integrity of small-sized probes on large aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an acoustic transmitter and receiver connected to a processing unit via a digital link, with an electronic module including an audio transmission and reception circuit, non-erasable memory, and a digital communication interface, allowing for accurate diagnosis of probe clogging through advanced signal analysis and temperature correction, while reducing the complexity of maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drain holes are made larger or more numerous to prevent clogging, then the reliability of the probe is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to incomplete air slowing down
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple separate drain holes instead of one large hole, allowing each small hole to maintain measurement precision while collectively providing sufficient drainage capability through multiple pathways
Solution Approach 2:
An acoustic transmitter and receiver are introduced as intermediary devices to detect clogging conditions indirectly by measuring acoustic signal propagation through the drain holes, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection or complex sensor modifications
2Measurement precision
If complex algorithms and processing means are incorporated into the probe monitoring device, then the measurement precision of clogging detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex processing algorithms and processing means are extracted from the probe monitoring device and relocated to an external computer system, leaving the monitoring device itself simple while maintaining high detection precision through advanced signal processing performed externally
Solution Approach 2:
A digital communication interface acts as an intermediary between the simple monitoring device and the external computer, enabling the transfer of acoustic data for sophisticated analysis without requiring the monitoring device itself to be complex
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is made smaller to fit on large aircraft, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transmitter and receiver serve as intermediary diagnostic tools that can be easily connected to the probe's drain holes, enabling remote detection of clogging conditions without requiring physical access to difficult-to-reach areas of the small probe
Solution Approach 2:
The probe monitoring system enables self-diagnosis of clogging conditions through acoustic signal analysis, allowing the probe to monitor its own state without requiring manual inspection or complex maintenance operations
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
The solution provides a reliable, user-friendly, and efficient method for monitoring pressure probes by distributing processing tasks between the monitoring device and an external processing unit, improving the accuracy of clogging detection and reducing maintenance complexity, especially for probes with small drain holes on large aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter transmits an acoustic signal that is propagated in the internal volume
Implementation Method 2
the receiver picks up an acoustic signal observed in the internal volume
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for monitoring a probe for measuring the pressure of a flow; the probe comprising an internal volume; the device comprising: an acoustic transmitter and receiver, a connection intended to connect the device to the probe, for the transmitter to transmit an acoustic signal in the internal volume and for the receiver to pick up an acoustic signal in the internal volume. The device also comprises an electronic module comprising: an audio transmission and reception circuit, linked to the transmitter and to the receiver by analog link, a non-erasable memory comprising a digital encryption key, an erasable read-only memory, a digital communication interface, configured to transmit or receive digital signals between the outside of the device and the audio circuit, the non-erasable memory and the erasable read-only memory.