Aircraft Enclosed-Space Gas Detection Using External Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection methods for enclosed spaces in aircraft, such as vacuum leaks and fire detection, are not quick enough to provide early warnings and often require invasive sensor installation and maintenance, compromising vacuum integrity.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive detection system using electromagnetic radiation sources and detectors outside the enclosed space to excite and detect Rayleigh and Raman scattered radiation from gas molecules, allowing early detection of gas presence and composition without penetrating the enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If temperature-based detection is used to monitor vacuum leaks, then the detection method is simple, but the detection speed is slow and early detection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-based detection with optical detection using laser radiation and photodetectors. This substitution of detection mechanism enables rapid real-time monitoring of gas density changes in the vacuum jacket, achieving fast detection without the delays inherent in temperature-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser radiation as an intermediary to detect gas density changes. The laser light interacts with gas molecules in the vacuum jacket, and the scattered or absorbed light provides information about gas presence and density, enabling indirect but rapid detection of vacuum leaks.
2Measurement precision
If direct sensors are installed inside the vacuum jacket to detect gas pressure or density, then detection accuracy is improved, but the vacuum jacket must be invaded and manipulated for sensor installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from inside the vacuum jacket to the outside. By using optical sensors positioned externally that can detect gas density changes through the vacuum jacket walls, the system achieves accurate detection without requiring physical access to the interior of the vacuum jacket for installation or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system serves multiple functions: it can detect various types of gas leaks, monitor vacuum integrity continuously, and provide early warning without requiring different sensor types or installation methods for different detection scenarios.
3Reliability
If UV or IR detection is used to monitor fire in enclosed spaces, then fire detection capability is provided, but early detection is not achieved and the same drawbacks as other methods apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection by monitoring gas density changes that occur before fire formation. By detecting the presence of leaked gas that could lead to fire hazards, the system provides early warning and enables preventive action before actual fire occurs, reducing loss of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on gas density levels in the vacuum jacket, allowing real-time monitoring and early alerting of potential fire hazards. This continuous feedback mechanism enables timely response before conditions deteriorate to actual fire.
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 early detection of vacuum leaks and fire risks in aircraft systems, maintaining vacuum integrity and simplifying sensor maintenance, while providing accurate gas composition analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source arranged outside the enclosed space and configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation into the enclosed space
Implementation Method 2
excite and detect Rayleigh and Raman scattered radiation from gas molecules
Implementation Method 3
excite and detect Rayleigh and Raman scattered radiation from gas molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A gas detection system that detects gas inside an enclosed space of an aircraft system on board in an aircraft. The system is used in a method for determining the presence of a gas inside an aircraft system by means of a detection system installed on the aircraft system. The system monitors and/or detects a vacuum leak or of fire inside an aircraft system arranged in an aircraft.