Aircraft Actuator Fluid Resistivity Sensing for Loss and Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft actuator fluid level detection systems are inadequate in accurately monitoring fluid loss and contamination, relying on sensor signals that may not effectively differentiate between fluid resistance changes due to loss or contamination, which can lead to inaccurate diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
The system employs sensor circuitry with contactors and contact points to measure resistivity changes within the actuator fluid, using a controller to quantify total resistance and trigger alerts for fluid loss or contamination, and integrates radiofrequency identification circuitry to transmit identifiers when resistance thresholds are met, enabling precise detection of fluid levels and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor means are used to determine operation parameters in lubricant fluid, then fluid level detection capability is improved, but the ability to differentiate between fluid loss and contamination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor means are divided into multiple independent sensors positioned at different locations within the actuator. Each sensor independently measures resistance at its specific position, allowing the system to detect not only fluid level but also spatial distribution of fluid properties. This segmentation enables differentiation between fluid loss (uniform resistance change across all sensors) and contamination (localized resistance change at specific sensor positions).
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point resistance measurement to multi-point spatial resistance mapping. By arranging sensors at different positions along the actuator's fluid path, the system adds a spatial dimension to the measurement. This dimensional expansion allows the controller to create a resistance profile that distinguishes between uniform fluid loss and localized contamination events.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are positioned at different locations within the actuator, then the ability to detect fluid loss and contamination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor means are designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. Each sensor is configured to perform multiple functions: measuring resistance at its position, indicating fluid level, and detecting contamination. The same sensor array that detects fluid loss also detects contamination, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the detection functions for fluid loss and contamination into a single integrated sensor array. Rather than using separate sensors or detection mechanisms for each condition, the invention combines both detection capabilities into one unified sensor system, where different patterns of resistance changes from the same sensors indicate different conditions (fluid loss vs. contamination).
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 provides accurate and timely detection of fluid loss and contamination in aircraft actuators, ensuring reliable operation by differentiating between fluid resistance changes and communicating alerts effectively, thus enhancing aircraft performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
sensor circuitry with contactors and contact points to measure resistivity changes within the actuator fluid, using a controller to quantify total resistance
Implementation Method 2
integrates radiofrequency identification circuitry to transmit identifiers when resistance thresholds are met
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
Disclosed is an actuator level detection system (150) of an aircraft. The system includes an actuator (100) containing fluid (102) that defines a resistivity and including a first contact point (104) and a second contact point (106). The system includes a first contactor (112) disposed about the actuator (100) cooperating with the first contact point (104) to define a first contact resistance (124) that includes the resistivity. The system includes sensor circuitry (120) includes a conductive path (100) defining a conductive path resistance, between the first contact point (104) and the second contact point (106). The sensor circuitry (120) has a total resistance that includes the first contact resistance (124) and the conductive path resistance.