Air Data Probe With Symmetrical Airfoil Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air data probes for aircraft are prone to mechanical malfunction, obstruction, and turbulence due to their reliance on moving parts and pressure ports, which can lead to unreliable measurements and increased risk of Loss of Control (LOC) accidents.
Innovation Solution
An air data probe with a symmetrical airfoil profile and multiple projections extending beyond the airfoil shape, equipped with air pressure sensors to measure local static and dynamic pressure, eliminating the need for moving parts and pressure ports, and featuring a surface heating element for all-weather operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical moving elements (wind vanes) are used to measure aerodynamic attitude, then the device can provide directional readings, but the device becomes susceptible to damage, sticking, and measurement noise due to turbulence and foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wind vane systems with an aerodynamic probe featuring a symmetrical airfoil profile and pressure sensing elements. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts that are prone to damage and sticking, while maintaining the ability to measure aerodynamic attitude through pressure differential measurements across the airfoil surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical moving elements from the measurement system. By removing wind vanes and similar mechanical components, the design achieves a passive measurement system that relies on aerodynamic pressure distribution rather than active mechanical movement, thereby improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If pressure ports are used to detect dynamic pressure for calculating AOA and AOS, then the values can be obtained, but the pressure ports become clogged by external agents causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin membrane structure that allows pressure transmission while preventing physical blockage. The membrane acts as a selective barrier that transmits pressure changes from the surrounding airflow to the sensing elements while blocking foreign objects such as insects, debris, and ice particles that would otherwise clog traditional pressure ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional open pressure ports with a sealed membrane-based pressure sensing system. This substitution maintains the ability to detect dynamic pressure while eliminating the vulnerability to clogging by external agents, as the membrane prevents direct access of foreign objects to the sensing elements.
3Measurement precision
If pitot tube is used for airspeed measurement, then airspeed data can be obtained, but the tube becomes obstructed by foreign objects such as ice, birds or insects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the open pitot tube with a membrane-enclosed pressure sensing system. The thin film membrane allows air pressure to transmit to the sensing elements while physically blocking foreign objects such as ice, birds, and insects from entering and obstructing the measurement path, thereby maintaining reliable airspeed measurement in all weather conditions.
4Measurement precision
If projections extend beyond the airfoil profile to house pressure ports, then pressure sensing is enabled, but turbulence and aerodynamic drag are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensing elements directly into the surface of the airfoil profile rather than extending projections beyond it. The pressure sensing ports are integrated flush with the airfoil surface, eliminating protruding structures that would create turbulence and aerodynamic drag, while still enabling accurate pressure measurement at critical locations.
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 accurate and reliable measurements of angle of attack, angle of side slip, airspeed, and altitude, reducing turbulence and drag while enhancing maintainability and reliability, and enabling effective automatic and autonomous flight control systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring local static and dynamic air pressure through pressure ports disposed in the plurality of projections
Data Source
AI summary
An air data probe (10) and associated method of method of measuring air data is disclosed. The air data probe includes a plurality of air pressure sensors, and a body (14) that encloses a hollow interior cavity (16), where the body (14) has a generally symmetrical airfoil profile. The body (14) includes a plurality of projections (20a-d) extending beyond the generally symmetrical airfoil profile, each of the plurality of projections (20a-d) including an pressure port (22a-d) at a distal end (24a-d) that is in communication with the hollow interior cavity. Each of the pressure ports (22a-d) receives a corresponding air pressure sensor (12a-d) that is configured to collect static and dynamic air pressure data.