Altitude Sensor Fault Isolation Using Static Pressure Split Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft altitude sensor systems require the removal and troubleshooting of multiple sensors to isolate altitude splits, which is time-consuming and costly, as they typically involve disassembling and inspecting all sensors after an altitude split occurs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that compares static pressure readings from multiple altitude sensors with an expected value to determine the source of an altitude split, allowing for the inspection of only the faulty sensor, using a processor connected to memory with instructions for isolating the fault, and calculating an average static pressure reading for comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to isolate altitude splits, then all sensors must be removed and inspected to ensure reliability, but this increases maintenance time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into individual sensor units, each with its own processing channel. By segmenting the fault isolation process to evaluate each sensor independently against expected values, the system identifies the specific faulty sensor without requiring removal and inspection of all sensors, thus maintaining reliability while reducing maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of expected sensor values and compares actual sensor readings against these expected values before maintenance is needed. This preliminary fault detection and isolation allows the system to identify which sensor is faulty in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-failure inspection of all sensors
2Reliability
If all altitude sensors are removed for troubleshooting, then the source of the altitude split can be identified, but this increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically comparing sensor readings with expected values and identifying which sensor is faulty. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual troubleshooting procedures and removal of multiple sensors, reducing maintenance procedure complexity while maintaining accurate fault identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor removal and physical inspection with an electronic/computational system that calculates expected values and compares sensor readings. This substitution of mechanical troubleshooting with computational analysis simplifies the maintenance procedure while accurately identifying the faulty sensor
3Reliability
If redundant altitude sensors are used, then useful altitude data can be provided during sensor failure, but this increases the quantity of sensors requiring inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the redundant sensor array into individually evaluable units, each compared against expected values. This segmentation allows the system to maintain redundancy for reliability while identifying the specific faulty sensor through individual evaluation, thus avoiding the need to inspect all redundant sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of isolating a source of an altitude split in a plurality of altitude sensors includes receiving a static pressure reading from a first altitude sensor and receiving a static pressure reading from a second altitude sensor. The method includes comparing each of the static pressure readings with an expected static pressure value to determine which of the altitude sensors is the source of a split in altitude readings of the altitude sensors.