Air Data Sensor Calibration Tool with Integrated Laser Pointer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration methods for air data sensors are time-consuming, require multiple fixtures specific to each aircraft, and offer limited accuracy due to the short length of pivot arms, leading to inaccurate air flow direction measurements.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained calibration tool with a light pointer, such as a laser, integrated into the air data sensor, which projects a beam onto a target surface to visualize and measure misalignment, eliminating the need for separate fixtures and allowing for precise calibration by correlating offset with calibration factors for electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional leveling fixtures and tooling are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires temporary installation and removal of fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration tool directly with the air data sensor assembly, integrating the light source, pivot arm, and target surface into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate temporary fixtures and tooling that must be installed and removed, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The air data sensor assembly performs its own calibration through the integrated light pointer and target surface system. The sensor assembly is self-contained and does not require external calibration equipment, enabling operators to perform calibration without specialized fixtures or tooling installation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional visual scale fixtures are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the accuracy is limited due to the short length of the pivot arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from mechanical measurement along the short pivot arm to optical measurement in a different dimension. The light pointer projects a beam onto a target surface, creating a measurement system that extends beyond the physical constraints of the pivot arm length, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual scale measurement system with an optical laser pointer system. This substitution eliminates the limitations of mechanical measurement along the short pivot arm by using light projection to create a longer effective measurement baseline.
3Measurement precision
If aircraft-specific calibration fixtures are used, then calibration can be performed for that aircraft type, but the fixtures cannot be used on other aircraft types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal calibration solution by integrating the calibration tool into the air data sensor assembly itself. Since the calibration system is part of the sensor rather than a separate aircraft-specific fixture, it can be used across different aircraft types without requiring custom fixtures for each platform.
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 reduces installation and calibration time, enhances accuracy, and integrates calibration directly into the air data sensor, reducing labor and costs in aircraft assembly and operations while providing accurate air flow parameter measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The light pointer is operative to project a beam of light toward a target surface
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration tool for an air data sensor of a vehicle comprises a target surface which is disposable on the vehicle. The calibration tool may further comprise a light pointer which is mountable on the air data sensor and which is operative to project a beam of light toward the target surface. The air data sensor may be configured as a flow direction sensor which may include at least one of an alpha vane for measuring angle of attack or a beta vane for measuring sideslip. The flow direction sensor may be mountable in spaced relation to the vehicle via a standoff. The flow direction sensor may include a hollow pivot arm having a laser pointer mounted therewithin for projecting a beam of laser light onto the target surface.