Air Data Probe Sleeve-and-Flag Alignment Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing air data probe alignment on aircraft are time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to human error, and inefficient, leading to misalignment issues that increase maintenance costs and delays.
Innovation Solution
An air data probe inspection tool featuring a non-metallic sleeve and a rigid flag that aligns with the probe strut and baseplate, providing visual inspection for alignment and straightness without complex measurements, using engineered thermoplastic materials and precise machined surfaces for accurate fit and reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection techniques are used for probe alignment, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but inspection accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool serves as an intermediary device between the manual inspection process and the probe alignment measurement. It provides physical reference features (flag, sleeve) that mediate the alignment check, eliminating direct human measurement while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human measurement process with a standardized inspection tool that uses fixed geometric relationships (flag alignment with probe strut, sleeve fit on probe head) to objectively determine probe alignment, eliminating human error while keeping the tool simple to use
2Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used without inspection tools, then installation speed is maintained, but misalignment occurs leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool enables preliminary verification of probe alignment immediately after installation. By providing visual reference features (flag position, sleeve fit) that can be checked before flight testing, misalignment is detected early, preventing the need for repeat test flights and reducing maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection tool is designed to be self-explanatory and self-verifying through its geometric features. The flag's alignment with the probe strut and the sleeve's fit on the probe head provide inherent visual indicators of proper installation, eliminating the need for complex measurement procedures or specialized expertise
3Ease of operation
If complex measurement procedures are used for probe inspection, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited accessibility and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection tool breaks down the alignment verification process into separate, simple visual checks: the flag alignment with the probe strut leading edge and baseplate, and the sleeve fit on the probe head. Each segment provides a specific alignment indicator, making the overall inspection process both simple and precise
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection tool adds visual dimensionality to the alignment check through the flag's position relative to the probe strut and baseplate. This creates a two-dimensional visual reference system that is easy to observe and interpret, transforming a potentially complex three-dimensional alignment problem into simple visual verification
Data Source
AI summary
An air data probe inspection tool includes a non-metallic sleeve designed to match the contour of a machined probe head of the air data probe. This sleeve fits onto the probe head and aligns with at least one opening of the probe. The air data probe inspection tool further includes a rigid flag coupled to the non-metallic sleeve, aligning with a probe strut leading edge and a top surface of a baseplate. Together, the sleeve and flag facilitate visual inspection for detecting misalignment or bending of the air data probe during installation or maintenance procedures.