Aircraft Pressure Sensor Positioning for Dynamic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft pressure measurement systems struggle to provide accurate dynamic pressure measurements during flight, especially while climbing or descending, due to turbulence interference and the need for stabilization time.
Innovation Solution
A pressure measurement system comprising a pressure sensor positioned behind the aircraft connected via an electric cable and air feed tube, with an electropneumatic connector and DGPS sensors for dynamic positioning, allowing for real-time pressure measurement and transmission without stabilization delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pressure sensor is positioned close to the aircraft, then the system complexity is reduced, but the pressure measurements are disturbed by turbulent flow created around the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is extracted from the aircraft body and positioned in a remote location downstream where the airflow is less disturbed. This separates the measurement function from the turbulent flow zone while maintaining system functionality through extended cabling and air feed tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
An air feed tube acts as an intermediary element, conveying the undisturbed pressure signal from the pressure intake (positioned in clean airflow) to the pressure sensor. This mediator allows the sensor to be located away from the aircraft while still receiving accurate pressure data.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is positioned downstream away from the aircraft, then the pressure measurements are less disturbed by turbulent flow, but the path length for air pressure signal increases requiring stabilization time
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure intake is positioned upstream in the undisturbed airflow zone before the turbulent flow reaches that area. This preliminary positioning ensures that the pressure signal is captured in clean airflow conditions, preventing turbulence from affecting the measurement in the first place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a long air feed tube is used to connect the pressure intake to the sensor, then the sensor can be positioned away from the aircraft, but the pressure signal takes longer to stabilize
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic principles through the air feed tube to convey pressure signals over extended distances. The tube is designed with appropriate diameter and flow characteristics to minimize signal degradation and stabilization time while allowing flexible sensor positioning away from the aircraft.
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 rapid and accurate dynamic pressure measurements even during turbulent flight stages, reducing the need for stabilization time and improving measurement reliability for calibrating on-board instruments like Pitot tubes.
Implementation Method 1
an air feed tube, said at least one pressure sensor being suitable firstly for measuring an air pressure from at least one pressure signal coming from said pressure intake
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor being suitable firstly for measuring an air pressure from at least one pressure signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft (10) having a system for measuring a static reference pressure in flight, which system comprises:a pressure sensor (22) connected to the rear portion of the aircraft by a cable (16) and associated with a pressure intake (24) that is located, in flight, in an undisturbed zone downstream from the aircraft, the pressure signal (22) being suitable firstly for measuring a pressure coming from the pressure intake (24) and secondly for transmitting a signal representative of the measured pressure, e.g. an electric signal, to the aircraft; anda system (34) on board the aircraft, which system is suitable for determining a pressure measurement firstly from the transmitted signal and secondly from a position of the pressure sensor (22) relative to the aircraft (10). Pressure is measured dynamically while the aircraft is climbing or descending.