Air Data Probe Blockage Detection Using Pressure Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air data probes in aircraft can produce erroneous readings due to partial or full blockage of their pneumatic cavities by ice, water, debris, or insects, leading to inaccurate air data calculations.
Innovation Solution
A blockage detection system that includes a conduit, pressure regulator, valve, processor, and memory, which uses a pressurized fluid source to test and clear blockages in air data probe cavities, determining blockage status through pressure profiles and outputting indications for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air data probes are used to measure pneumatic pressure, then air data outputs can be generated, but the pneumatic cavities may become blocked by ice, water, debris, or insects causing erroneous readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary blockage detection by pressurizing the pneumatic cavity with a known pressure and measuring the pressure profile over time. This preliminary action identifies blockages before they cause erroneous air data measurements, allowing for preventive maintenance or clearing operations
Solution Approach 2:
A separate test fluid system acts as an intermediary to detect blockages. The test fluid is introduced into the pneumatic cavity through a dedicated conduit and valve system, allowing blockage detection without interfering with the normal air data measurement function. The pressure regulator and flow meter serve as intermediaries to control and monitor the test fluid
2Reliability
If a blockage detection system is implemented, then blockages can be detected and cleared, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator serves multiple functions: it controls the pressure of test fluid during blockage detection and also regulates the pressure of air data measurements. The valve system is used both to introduce test fluid for detection and to clear blockages by forcing fluid through the cavity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the aircraft's own pneumatic system resources (air supply, existing cavity structure) to perform self-diagnosis and self-clearing. The blockage detection and clearing operations utilize the existing pneumatic cavity and air supply infrastructure, reducing the need for entirely separate detection and clearing systems
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 detects and clears blockages in air data probe cavities, ensuring accurate air data calculations without relying on engine or auxiliary power unit operation, and providing real-time status updates for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a pressurized fluid source configured to introduce pressurized fluid into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a pressure within the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A system includes a body, a sensor (50), a pressurized fluid source (46), and a blockage detection module (32). The body defines a cavity (44) open to an ambient environment at a port. The sensor communicates with the cavity to produce a signal representative of a fluid pressure within the cavity. The blockage detection module includes a pressure regulator (36) and a valve (38) disposed along a conduit (34) fluidly connecting the pressurized fluid source to the cavity. The blockage detection module includes a processor (40) and memory (42) encoded with instructions of a blockage detection method.