Acoustic Probe Control Device for Pressure Measurement Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure probes in the aeronautical field face challenges in accurately measuring total pressure due to the accumulation of solid or liquid particles, which can obstruct bleed holes and affect measurement accuracy, and current control devices risk pollution from these particles, making maintenance difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an acoustic loudspeaker and receiver positioned behind a membrane, emitting and detecting acoustic signals within the probe's internal volume while sealed from infiltration, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of internal cavities and drain holes without direct exposure to liquids or particles, using a vent to maintain atmospheric pressure and comparing signals to a reference for obstruction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bleed holes are increased in dimension or number to evacuate particles and liquids, then the risk of measurement disturbance is reduced, but the measurement precision of total pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustic wave is introduced as an intermediary to detect particle accumulation in the bleed holes without directly interfering with the pressure measurement. The acoustic wave interacts with the accumulated particles to produce detectable echoes, allowing indirect monitoring of the bleed hole status while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical inspection method (visual checking with lamps) is replaced by an acoustic detection system. The acoustic wave propagation and echo analysis provide a non-contact, automated method to detect particle accumulation, eliminating the need for physical access and manual inspection of the bleed holes.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual inspection with lamps is used to check bleed holes, then particle detection is possible, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult access and dismantling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustic wave serves as an intermediary that can penetrate through the probe structure and internal volumes to detect particles remotely. This eliminates the need for direct visual access to the bleed holes, allowing inspection to be performed through the probe's external interface without dismantling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical visual inspection system (operator with lamp and direct access) is replaced by an acoustic field-based detection system. The acoustic waves can travel through the probe's internal cavities and reflect off accumulated particles, providing detection capability without requiring physical access to the bleed holes.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the acoustic receiver is directly connected to the internal volume of the probe, then acoustic signal detection is effective, but the reliability deteriorates due to receiver pollution from liquids and particles
Solution Approach 1:
A membrane is introduced as a flexible barrier between the acoustic receiver and the probe's internal volume. The membrane is acoustically transparent, allowing acoustic waves to pass through while providing a physical seal that prevents liquids and particles from reaching and polluting the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary element that transmits acoustic energy from the probe's internal volume to the receiver while blocking the passage of liquids and particles. This allows the receiver to detect acoustic signals effectively without direct exposure to the harsh environment inside the probe.
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 solution enables quick and non-invasive monitoring of pressure probes, reducing the risk of receiver pollution and improving measurement accuracy by detecting obstructions without dismantling the probe, facilitating easier maintenance and reducing the risk of measurement disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic loudspeaker, comprising an enclosure and a membrane closing an opening of the enclosure; the opening being intended to be connected to the internal volume of the probe, so that the loudspeaker emits an acoustic signal propagating through the opening into the internal volume
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic receiver arranged in the enclosure of the loudspeaker making it possible to pick up an acoustic signal coming from outside the enclosure and passing through the membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device is provided for checking a probe for measuring the pressure of a flow, the probe comprising: an internal volume; at least one orifice communicating with the outside of the volume; an acoustic loudspeaker, comprising an enclosure and a membrane sealing an opening of the enclosure; the opening being intended to be connected to the internal volume of the probe, so that the loudspeaker transmits an acoustic signal that is propagated through the opening into the internal volume; an acoustic receiver positioned in the enclosure of the loudspeaker that makes it possible to pick up an acoustic signal originating from outside the enclosure and passing through the membrane; and means for comparing the acoustic signal observed in the enclosure to a reference acoustic signal.