Aircraft Angle of Attack Probe with Dual-Axis Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft angle of attack measurement systems are not capable of accurately measuring sideslip and total pressure, and are sensitive to Mach number and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a probe equipped with central and eccentric directional sensors, capable of rotating around two axes, aligns itself with the relative wind to measure angle of attack and sideslip, using actuators and control units to equalize sensor measurements and ensure accurate alignment, with sensors like pressure or thermocouples for various flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe with central and eccentric directional sensors is used to measure angle of attack, then angle of attack measurement is achieved, but sideslip and total pressure measurement capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is equipped with multiple directional sensors (central and eccentric) that enable the same device to measure angle of attack, sideslip angle, and total pressure simultaneously, making a single instrument serve multiple measurement functions
2Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensors are used for subsonic flight, then angle of attack measurement works, but measurements become sensitive to Mach number and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention switches the sensing mechanism based on flight conditions: using pressure sensors for subsonic flight and thermocouples for supersonic or hypersonic flight, thereby adapting the measurement parameters to the operating regime and eliminating sensitivity to Mach number and temperature variations
3Ease of manufacture
If the probe is fixed to the aircraft, then installation is simple, but the probe cannot align with relative wind to measure sideslip accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is made dynamically adjustable through articulation mechanisms that allow it to rotate around two axes, enabling real-time alignment with the relative wind direction while maintaining a relatively simple fixed mounting structure on the aircraft
4Measurement precision
If the probe rotates around one axis only, then angle of attack measurement is possible, but sideslip measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The probe's articulation system is extended from single-axis rotation to dual-axis rotation, adding a second rotational degree of freedom that enables measurement of both angle of attack and sideslip angle by capturing wind direction information in two independent directions
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
Enables continuous and accurate measurement of aircraft angle of attack and sideslip, while being insensitive to Mach number and temperature, providing reliable total pressure readings.
Implementation Method 1
the probe (11) aligns itself with the relative wind (VR) by rotating, around a first articulation axis (8), an angle corresponding to the angle of attack (a) and, around a second articulation axis (XX), an angle corresponding to the sideslip angle (e)
Implementation Method 2
The central directional sensor, the aforementioned eccentric median directional sensors, and the aforementioned lateral directional sensors can be pressure sensors, particularly effective for subsonic aerobic flight
Implementation Method 3
For example, for supersonic or hypersonic flight, it is advantageous for these sensors to be thermocouples
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
According to the present invention, use is made of a probe (11) provided with a central sensor (3), with off-centred sensors (4, 5) and lateral sensors (13, 14) and said probe (11) is articulated on the aircraft around two orthogonal axes (8, X-X).