Aircraft Ice Detection with Temperature Threshold Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice detectors generate spurious signals that resemble icing conditions, leading to unnecessary activation of de-icing systems and increased energy and cost, particularly in specific environmental conditions and mounting orientations.
Innovation Solution
An algorithm using input data from temperature sensors in ice detectors to distinguish between actual icing conditions and spurious signals by setting an icing threshold temperature, suppressing false alerts through a controller system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ice detectors are used to detect icing conditions, then safety is improved, but spurious signals cause false alerts and unnecessary de-icing system activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring temperature as an additional parameter to verify ice accretion signals. The system compares the detected temperature against a threshold to determine whether to suppress spurious signals. This resolves the contradiction by using temperature parameter validation to filter false alerts while maintaining reliable ice detection capability.
2Reliability
If de-icing systems are activated in response to spurious signals, then false safety concerns are addressed, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using temperature sensor data to validate ice accretion signals before triggering de-icing system activation. The controller receives temperature information and uses it to confirm or suppress spurious signals, ensuring de-icing systems only activate when actual icing conditions are verified. This resolves the contradiction by preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining safety assurance through validated detection.
3Measurement precision
If temperature verification is added to ice detection, then spurious signal suppression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating temperature sensing capability into the existing ice detection system. The temperature sensor serves multiple functions: it provides environmental temperature data and acts as a verification mechanism for ice accretion signals. This resolves the contradiction by achieving enhanced measurement precision through multi-functionality rather than adding separate dedicated verification equipment.
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
Reduces the number of spurious icing signals, decreases energy usage and costs associated with de-icing systems, and enhances user confidence in ice detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
An algorithm using input data from temperature sensors in ice detectors to distinguish between actual icing conditions and spurious signals by setting an icing threshold temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
An ice protection system for an aircraft includes an ice detector (16) disposed in an external aircraft surface, a temperature sensor (126), and a controller (102). The ice detector includes an ice sensor (130). The controller includes an icing threshold module (118) which receives a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor, receives an ice accretion signal from the ice sensor, compares the temperature measurement to an icing threshold temperature, and determines whether the temperature measurement is above the icing threshold temperature. The controller suppresses an icing conditions alert if the temperature measurement exceeds the icing threshold temperature.