Aircraft Sensor System Dynamic Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft propulsion system temperature monitoring systems often miss high heat, overheat, or fire conditions due to averaging temperature measurements, making it difficult to troubleshoot and lack the ability to adjust alarm thresholds for changing operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor system with multiple sensors that adjust data based on operational data to determine if the monitored structure is in an alarm condition, allowing for different alarm thresholds for various locations and enabling precise temperature monitoring through thermocouples and anemometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If linear thermal devices are used to monitor propulsion system temperature, then the monitoring coverage area is increased, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to averaging out of temperatures along the sensor length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propulsion system into multiple discrete monitoring zones, each equipped with its own thermal device. This segmentation allows each sensor to measure temperature at a specific location without averaging effects, while collectively covering the entire propulsion system area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using single long linear thermal devices to using multiple discrete thermal devices arranged in a spatial distribution pattern. This dimensional reorganization maintains comprehensive coverage while eliminating the averaging problem inherent in linear sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete sensors are deployed to improve temperature measurement precision, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a modular sensor system where identical thermal devices can be deployed across multiple zones. Each sensor performs the same function, and the system uses standardized data processing algorithms, reducing overall complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts monitoring parameters such as alarm thresholds and expected values based on operational conditions (thrust, ambient temperature). This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Ease of operation
If fixed alarm thresholds are used for temperature monitoring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates when operational conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic alarm thresholds that automatically adjust based on operational parameters such as thrust level and ambient temperature. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without manual intervention, maintaining both ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operational conditions and uses this feedback to adjust alarm thresholds and expected values in real-time. This closed-loop approach ensures the monitoring system remains adaptive to changing operational environments while requiring minimal user input.
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 system provides more accurate and detailed temperature monitoring, enabling early detection of potential failures and allowing for predictive maintenance, improving troubleshooting and fleet management.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors can include a number of thermocouples distributed throughout an aircraft engine or other structure to be monitored
Implementation Method 2
The sensors can include a number of anemometers distributed throughout an aircraft engine or other structure to be monitored
Data Source
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AI summary
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a sensor system for detecting, characterizing, monitoring, and analyzing data. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a monitoring system is configured to obtain data from a sensor system. The sensor system includes two or more sensors and can indicate an operating state detected at a monitored structure by the sensors. The monitoring system also obtains operational data including a threshold value for the sensors and an expected value for the sensors. The monitoring system is configured to adjust the thresholds based, at least partially, upon the operational data to obtain an adjusted threshold value, and to compare the data value to the adjusted threshold. The monitoring system can determine if the monitored structure is operating in an alarm condition.