Aircraft Moisture Detection and Removal via Passive Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting and removing moisture in inaccessible areas of aircraft are time-consuming and costly, often requiring disassembly and reassembly, which can compromise the structural integrity and increase the risk of corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based system using passive moisture detection sensors and a dry gas supply unit that provides dry compressed air or nitrogen to inaccessible areas only where moisture is detected, allowing for effective removal of moisture without the need for extensive disassembly, utilizing a network of conduits and a controller to manage the dry gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection is performed to detect corrosion in inaccessible areas, then corrosion detection capability is improved, but disassembly time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual inspection methods with electromagnetic sensing technology. Moisture sensors detect water presence in inaccessible areas without requiring physical access, and the dry gas system uses pneumatic fields rather than mechanical disassembly to remove moisture. This substitution eliminates the need for disassembly while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces moisture sensors as intermediaries between the inspection system and the inaccessible areas. These sensors act as mediators that can detect moisture through walls and enclosures without requiring direct visual access, thereby eliminating the need for disassembly while maintaining detection precision.
2Ease of operation
If floor panels are removed for inspection, then access to inaccessible areas is improved, but structural integrity and sealing quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical access methods (panel removal) with electromagnetic sensing and pneumatic delivery systems. Sensors can detect moisture through intact panels, and dry gas can be delivered through conduits without compromising panel integrity or factory seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and conduit systems as intermediaries that provide access to inaccessible areas without requiring panel removal. These intermediaries maintain the integrity of the aircraft structure and factory seals while enabling moisture detection and removal functions.
3Ease of operation
If extensive disassembly is performed for moisture removal, then moisture access is improved, but operation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical disassembly with pneumatic delivery systems. Dry gas is delivered through a network of conduits that extend into inaccessible areas, allowing moisture removal without any disassembly operations. This maintains ease of moisture access while dramatically reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-installing sensor networks and conduit systems during aircraft manufacturing. These systems are positioned in advance to provide direct access to inaccessible areas, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly operations during maintenance while maintaining ease of moisture access.
4Ease of operation
If factory seals are broken for inspection, then access to inaccessible areas is improved, but corrosion susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical access methods that break seals with non-invasive sensing and pneumatic delivery systems. Sensors detect moisture through intact seals, and dry gas is delivered through sealed conduits, maintaining the protective sealing while enabling moisture removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and sealed conduit systems as intermediaries that provide access functionality without breaking factory seals. These intermediaries maintain the corrosion-protection function of the seals while enabling moisture detection and removal operations.
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 efficient and cost-effective detection and removal of moisture from inaccessible aircraft areas, reducing the risk of corrosion and maintaining structural integrity while minimizing disruption to the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
A ground-based system uses passive moisture detection sensors and a dry gas supply unit that provides dry compressed air or nitrogen to inaccessible areas only where moisture is detected
Implementation Method 2
provides dry compressed air or nitrogen to inaccessible areas only where moisture is detected, allowing for effective removal of moisture
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for detecting and removing moisture in a vehicle such as a commercial aircraft is disclosed. Moisture detection sensors are mounted in areas of the vehicle which are inaccessible during use. The sensors output a signal when moisture is present in an adjacent area. Conduits are installed in the vehicle with a first end adjacent to an associated moisture detection sensors. A dry gas supply unit that is separate from the vehicle is coupled to a second end of each conduits to selectively supply dry gas thereto. The dry gas supply unit selectively supplies dry gas to the second end of each conduit when an associated moisture detection sensor outputs a signal indicating that moisture is present in the adjacent area. The moisture detection sensors are preferably passive and only output a signal upon receipt of an external interrogation signal from the dry gas supply unit controller.