Airfoil Mass Flow Sensor for FOD Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass flow sensors in aerospace applications are vulnerable to damage from Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and local turbulence, which can lead to erroneous readings, and are prone to ice accretion, causing operational issues and potential damage to aircraft systems.
Innovation Solution
A mass flow sensor design featuring an airfoil-shaped structure that encloses the sensing elements, reducing turbulence and protecting them from FOD, while allowing for miniaturization and simultaneous heating and sensing functions, thereby reducing structural integrity and mass, and preventing severe ice accretion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensing elements are directly exposed to airflow for mass flow measurement, then the sensor can measure mass flow rate, but the sensing elements are vulnerable to damage from Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and local turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an airfoil-shaped enclosure that acts as a protective shell around the sensing elements. This enclosure protects the sensing elements from FOD and turbulence while allowing thermal energy to pass through for mass flow measurement, resolving the contradiction between protection and measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoil-shaped enclosure serves as an intermediary structure between the harsh external environment (FOD, turbulence) and the sensitive sensing elements. It mediates by providing physical protection while maintaining thermal coupling for measurement.
2Reliability
If the sensing elements are directly exposed to airflow, then mass flow measurement is enabled, but severe ice accretion builds up on the sensing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil-shaped enclosure acts as a protective shell that prevents direct exposure of sensing elements to atmospheric moisture, thereby preventing ice accretion while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure provides preliminary protection against ice-forming conditions by preventing moisture contact with the sensing elements before ice can form, addressing the ice accretion problem proactively.
3Measurement precision
If the sensing elements are directly exposed to airflow, then mass flow measurement is possible, but local turbulence causes erroneous and unpredictable readings
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil-shaped enclosure smooths the airflow around the sensing elements, reducing local turbulence and its associated measurement errors while maintaining accurate mass flow measurement capability.
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
The airfoil-shaped enclosure stabilizes fluid flow, protects the sensors from damage, reduces erroneous readings, and enhances response time, making it suitable for high-speed and harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor leg, wherein the first sensor leg extends away from the mounting structure bottom and includes a first temperature measurement device and a heating element
Implementation Method 2
an airfoil structure, wherein the airfoil structure defines an airfoil cavity and is associated with the mounting structure bottom to contain the first sensor leg and the second sensor leg
Data Source
AI summary
A Mass Flow Sensor (MFS) is provided and includes an MFS housing, a mounting structure, having a mounting structure top and a mounting structure bottom, wherein the MFS housing is associated with the mounting structure top, a first sensor leg, wherein the first sensor leg extends away from the mounting structure bottom and includes a first temperature measurement device and a heating element. The MFS further includes a second sensor leg, wherein the second sensor leg extends away from the mounting structure and includes a second temperature measurement device and an airfoil structure, wherein the airfoil structure defines an airfoil cavity and is associated with the mounting structure bottom to contain the first sensor leg and the second sensor leg.