Aircraft Air Intake Obstruction Detection With Self-Clearing Flow Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in effectively identifying and removing obstructing foreign matter from air intakes, which can lead to reduced performance and operational issues.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft propulsion system with an air intake control system that includes a flow control assembly, blockage sensor assembly, and controller, which uses a blockage sensor to detect foreign matter accumulation and adjusts the flow control member's state to remove the obstruction, utilizing an inflatable boot and actuator to change air flow direction or rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flow control member is used to control air flow, then air flow direction and rate can be adjusted, but foreign matter accumulation on the flow control member obstructs its operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow controlVSAvoidflow control member operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of foreign matter accumulation on the flow control member using a blockage sensor before the accumulation obstructs operation. When accumulation is detected, the system proactively actuates the flow control member to shed the foreign matter, preventing operational disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blockage sensor provides continuous feedback about the state of the flow control member to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the actuation of the flow control member to maintain optimal operation and prevent foreign matter obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the flow control member is actuated frequently to remove foreign matter, then obstruction is prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control member operationVSAvoidactuator energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of foreign matter accumulation on the flow control member using a blockage sensor before the accumulation obstructs operation. When accumulation is detected, the system proactively actuates the flow control member to shed the foreign matter, preventing operational disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blockage sensor provides continuous feedback about the state of the flow control member to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the actuation of the flow control member to maintain optimal operation and prevent foreign matter obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the blockage sensor is positioned close to the flow control member, then detection precision is improved, but the sensor is more vulnerable to foreign matter accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter detectionVSAvoidsensor foreign matter accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of foreign matter accumulation on the flow control member using a blockage sensor before the accumulation obstructs operation. When accumulation is detected, the system proactively actuates the flow control member to shed the foreign matter, preventing operational disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control member serves dual purposes: it controls air flow during normal operation and simultaneously sheds foreign matter from the blockage sensor through its actuation. The sensor's own detection capability triggers the flow control member to protect the sensor from accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively identifies and removes foreign matter from the air intake, maintaining efficient airflow and preventing operational disruptions by dynamically adjusting the flow control member's state.

Implementation Method 1

The blockage sensor is configured to produce a signal indicative of an accumulation of foreign matter on the flow control member within the sensing area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The flow control member may include an inflatable boot. The actuator may include a fluid regulator connected in fluid communication with the inflatable boot. The fluid regulator may be configured to control the state of the inflatable boot between an inflated condition and a deflated condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the mounting adapter may include a heating assembly disposed at the blockage sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20260062134A1Assembly for identifying obstructing foreign matter in an air intake of an aircraft propulsion system and method of using same

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

An aircraft propulsion system includes an air intake and an air intake control system. The air intake includes an intake body forming an air passage. The air intake control system includes a flow control member disposed within the air intake, a blockage sensor having a sensing area directed to the flow control member, and a controller. The blockage sensor is configured to produce a signal indicative of an accumulation of foreign matter on the flow control member. The controller is configured to identify a presence or an absence of an obstruction condition of the flow control member and remove the foreign matter from the flow control member, in response to identifying the presence of the obstruction condition, by changing a state of the flow control member.