Aircraft Bleed Air Pipe Leak Detection Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft bleed air pipe leak detection methods are costly and inefficient, particularly in detecting small flow rates of leaks due to the need for expensive high-frequency radiation devices and complex algorithms, and are prone to missed detections in the initial stages of pipe defects.
Innovation Solution
A pipe structure with a line-shaped sensor that rises upward from vents in the cover, potentially bent or meandering to increase surface area contact with the leak flow, and optionally includes a heat insulating material and wind protection or guide members to enhance detection sensitivity without requiring expensive electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If high-frequency radiation transmitting device and receiving device are used to detect leaks, then leak detection speed is improved, but device cost and complexity are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex electronic devices and implements it using a simple temperature sensor that detects thermal energy from leaking bleed air. This eliminates the need for high-frequency radiation transmitting/receiving devices while maintaining effective leak detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex electronic detection devices with a simple, low-cost temperature sensor. The sensor uses basic thermal detection principles rather than sophisticated electronics, significantly reducing system cost and complexity while achieving reliable leak detection.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency radiation transmitting device and receiving device are used to detect leaks, then leak detection capability is improved, but device cost is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex electronic devices and implements it using a simple temperature sensor that detects thermal energy from leaking bleed air. This eliminates the need for high-frequency radiation transmitting/receiving devices while maintaining effective leak detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic and electromagnetic systems with a simple thermal detection mechanism. The temperature sensor detects heat from leaking high-temperature bleed air, substituting sophisticated electronics with basic thermal sensing that is both simpler and equally effective for this application.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned to face vents, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but wiring length and complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the temperature sensor to face the vents from a direction that optimizes thermal detection while minimizing wiring requirements. By strategically placing the sensor in proximity to vent openings where hot air escapes, the system achieves high detection sensitivity without requiring complex wiring arrangements.
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 configuration allows for reliable detection of leaks with small flow rates corresponding to pipe defects, improving the reliability and safety of the aircraft system by capturing leaks before they escalate, without the need for costly electronic devices or complex algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
a line-shaped sensor that passes a position corresponding to each of the plurality of vents, and is sensitive to a temperature or a concentration of a gaseous body outside the cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pipe structure including: a pipe through which a gaseous body having a higher temperature than a temperature of a surrounding atmosphere flows; a cover that covers an outer peripheral portion of the pipe, and defines a plurality of vents from which the gaseous body leaking from the pipe flows out; and a line-shaped sensor that passes a position corresponding to each of the plurality of vents, and is sensitive to a temperature or a concentration of the gaseous body outside the cover, wherein the sensor includes a range in which the sensor rises upward from the position corresponding to the vent.