Aircraft Air Supply Sensor for TCP Detection and MOF Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenging to maintain air quality in aircraft pressurized systems due to contaminants like tricresyl phosphate, which is toxic and difficult to detect under adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a contaminant sensor using a metal organic framework (MOF) on a fiber optic element within the air flow path, detecting tricresyl phosphate through light intensity changes caused by adsorption, with a system to regenerate the MOF and generate responses to contaminant presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air quality treatment processes (ozone removal, filtration) are used, then air quality maintenance is improved, but contaminant detection capability deteriorates due to adverse aircraft environment conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is installed upstream in the air flow path between the compressor and the pressurized zone, performing contaminant detection before the air enters the pressurized zone. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify contaminants before they contaminate the cabin air, enabling proactive response rather than reactive treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized sensor system with metal organic framework material as an intermediary detection medium. This sensor acts as a mediator between the air flow and the detection system, selectively adsorbing contaminants like tricresyl phosphate while allowing the bulk air flow to continue uninterrupted, thus maintaining air quality while enabling detection.
2Measurement precision
If metal organic framework is used for contaminant adsorption, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to regeneration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a controller that receives signals from the sensor and automatically activates the heat source when contaminant accumulation is detected. This feedback mechanism enables the system to self-regulate and regenerate the metal organic framework material only when needed, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The regeneration process utilizes temperature parameter changes by activating a heat source to raise the temperature of the metal organic framework material. This parameter change (temperature increase) enables the desorption and removal of accumulated contaminants, restoring the sensor's sensitivity without requiring complex chemical or mechanical regeneration processes.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then air quality reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring rather than continuous operation. The sensor continuously samples air but the processing and alarm generation occur periodically when contaminant thresholds are exceeded. The heat source is activated periodically only when regeneration is needed, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable air quality monitoring through consistent presence in the air flow path.
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
Effectively detects and responds to tricresyl phosphate contamination, ensuring air quality in aircraft systems by providing alarms, adjusting air flow rates, or initiating contaminant removal protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a change is detected in light intensity or spectral properties of light received by the light detector caused by adsorption of tricresyl phosphate by the metal organic framework
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of testing for tricresyl phosphate, comprising: directing light from a light source to a light detector; contacting a test gas with a metal organic framework on an exterior surface of an optical guide in communication with the light between the light source and the light detector; detecting a change in light intensity or spectral properties of light received by the light detector caused by adsorption of tricresyl phosphate by the metal organic framework