Angle of Attack Probe Verification via Vertical Load Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the consistency of angle of attack probes in aircraft are inadequate, particularly when one or more probes fail or provide erroneous readings, leading to difficulties in detecting faults and integrating additional monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize the physical correlation between the angle of attack and vertical load factor to verify the consistency of angle of attack probe measurements by analyzing the amplitude variations of the vertical load factor signal and comparing them with thresholds, using a microcontroller-controlled system to identify inconsistent measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the triplex principle is applied to verify probe consistency by comparing three measurements, then fault detection capability is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates when two probes give erroneous but mutually consistent readings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces vertical load factor as an intermediary parameter to verify angle of attack probe measurements. Instead of relying solely on probe-to-probe comparison, the system uses load factor (measured by accelerometer) as a mediator to validate whether probe readings are physically consistent with aircraft dynamics, thereby detecting erroneous but mutually consistent readings
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the correlation between angle of attack measurements and vertical load factor. When a discrepancy is detected between expected load factor (based on probe readings) and actual load factor (from accelerometer), the system generates feedback to flag the probe reading as inconsistent, enabling real-time validation
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional monitoring probes are installed to improve measurement verification, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing accelerometer (originally designed for other purposes) serve the additional function of verifying angle of attack probe consistency. By reusing an existing sensor for multiple purposes, the system improves fault detection without adding new hardware, thereby avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensors (accelerometer for load factor, pressure sensors for angle of attack) to perform self-validation. The aircraft's existing measurement infrastructure serves its own verification needs, eliminating the requirement for additional dedicated monitoring probes
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 approach allows for effective verification of angle of attack probe consistency without requiring additional probes, enhancing fault detection and reducing the risk of rejecting correct measurements, while being adaptable to existing systems and independent of external conditions.
Implementation Method 1
analysis and measurement of the amplitude of the variations of the vertical load factor measurement signal, termed a second signal, provided by at least one accelerometer mounted aboard the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for verifying the consistency of the values given by an angle of attack probe of an aircraft. The method and apparatus verifies the proper operation of the angle of attack probe by using the aircraft's vertical load factor measurement provided by an accelerometer to estimate the angle of attack and then comparing the estimated angle of attach with the measure angle of attack.