Angle-of-Attack Sensor Damage Detection for Impact and Lightning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional angle of attack sensors lack effective methods to detect damage from impact or lightning strikes without relying on redundant data, which can lead to incorrect identification of healthy sensors as faulty during multiple failures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronics module within the angle of attack sensor or air data system that analyzes signals from angular position, acceleration, and ground current sensors to detect damage by comparing them against stored criteria, enabling in-situ detection of impact and lightning strikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant angle of attack sensors are used for fault detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and false isolation of healthy sensors can occur during multiple failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/redundant sensor system with an electronic signal analysis system. The electronics module analyzes the electrical signals from the angle of attack sensor to detect damage conditions, substituting the need for multiple redundant physical sensors with a single sensor配合 sophisticated electronic analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics module acts as an intermediary between the angle of attack sensor and the air data system. It analyzes the sensor signals and provides damage detection information, serving as a mediator that enables fault detection without requiring redundant sensor installations.
2Measurement precision
If built-in test functionality is added to detect locked vane conditions and electrical signal integrity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damage detection functionality with the existing angle of attack sensor by integrating an electronics module within the sensor housing. This combines the primary sensing function with the diagnostic function into a single integrated unit, avoiding the need for separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics module performs multiple functions: it processes the angle of attack signal, monitors for damage conditions (impact, lightning strikes), and provides fault detection. This multi-functional approach improves measurement precision while minimizing additional complexity by consolidating functions.
3Ease of operation
If in-situ damage detection is implemented without disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics module continuously monitors sensor signals for damage conditions during normal operation, performing damage detection in advance before actual sensor failure occurs. This preliminary detection capability allows for proactive maintenance without requiring disassembly or specialized inspection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle of attack sensor performs its own damage detection through the integrated electronics module that analyzes its output signals. The sensor system is self-diagnosing, eliminating the need for external inspection equipment or disassembly, thereby improving ease of operation.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An angle of attack sensor includes a rotatable vane (12) away and support from a mounting plate (68), a housing (36) extending way from an opposite side of the mounting plate, and a sensor (10) coupled to the vane. The angle of attack sensor communicates with an electronics module enclosed within the housing or mounted remotely with respect to the angle of attack sensor. The electronics module (72) includes a processor (88), computer-readable memory (90), and a communication device (92). The computer-readable memory is encoded with instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electronics module to perform steps of a damage detection method.